System and Method for Distributed Data Center and Power System

Data centers for the processing and storage of large amounts of data are increasingly being used in a multitude of uses and industries, including artificial intelligence (AI), personal and professional data back-ups, user profile data processing and storage, analytics, complex algorithms and surveillance to name some but not all of their potential usages. They contain a very large number of computer processors, such as servers, etc. to undertake the above processing, a multi-tier structure of numerous switches and routers to transport the required data communications of the above processing, both internally and externally, as well as a multitude of large data storage devices to store the data at each stage of the above processing, such as the incoming, interim, resultant and outgoing data of such processes, etc. All of the hardware is connected with a significant amount of cabling and coordinated with complex software programs operating at very high speeds to expedite the above processes in the least amount of time possible.

The above described data centers are typically housed in a centralized location to facilitate all of the above hardware and software devices. This provides a convenient and secure common and physical structure, where hardware and software can be changed as required and managed locally in one common facility. The downsides however of such centralized data centers is that they requires substantial physical building square footage to house all the above hardware, and they also consume considerable local electrical power to operate, including back-up power to power the hardware, in the event of a power interruption or outage. Additionally, the data centers generate large amounts of localized heat that must be dissipated, as a result of not only the sheer amount of hardware present, but also the speeds at which it operates. Furthermore, by virtue of their single, centralized location, make them potentially vulnerable to catastrophic events, man-made or natural. As such, considerable debate is underway as to where these data centers are to be built, how are they going to be powered, how are they going to be properly cooled, and how vulnerable are they to catastrophic events. Thus, the need exists for an alternative to a centralized data center to overcome the above noted deficiencies.

The present invention solves many of the key concerns described above, while still retaining the required functionality of a data center. It does so by distributing, i.e., decentralizing the data center instead of centralizing the data center, as is currently being done, as well as better distributing the power for that distributed data center. In this way, there is no need for a single large facility to house all the above noted hardware and software for the data center, nor is there the need for a single large source of power to power the data center. Decentralizing the data center also distributes the heat dissipated from the data center hardware over a greater geographic area, thereby providing more evenly distributed heat dissipation. Furthermore, decentralizing the data center hardware also allows for more efficient and cost effective localized powering and back-up, in the event of a power outage or interruption. Additionally, decentralizing the data center can also improve the data center vulnerability to catastrophic events, man-made or natural, because the data center hardware and software is not located in a single location, but rather spread across many locations.

The invention will be illustrated in conjunction with a typical cable television network, i.e., CATV network, although the invention could be implemented in other telecommunication networks such as a wired or wireless telephone and/or high speed data network, including, but not limited to, cellular networks. The invention could even be implemented over non-telecommunications networks such as an electric utility power grid network, for example. The invention leverages the distributed, decentralized nature of all these networks to provide the novel functionality described herein to address the deficiencies noted above of existing centralized data centers.

Another aspect of all the above distributed networks that helps facilitate the invention is that they all have distributed elements that are already interconnected. These interconnections are generally already present to deliver the existing services of the provider, such as CATV communication services, including high speed data services, etc. for CATV services providers. The other telecommunication providers described above are also already providing similar telecommunication services. All these telecommunication service providers generally deliver their services over these interconnections in a two-way fashion, including both downstream and upstream telecommunication signals.

In the case of CATV networks, the distributed elements are physically interconnected with a variety of coaxial cables, fiber optic cable, or even Ethernet cables, such as CAT 5 or CAT 6 cables. Some of the distributed elements also may not be physically connected, but rather be connected non-physically by wireless spectrum, such as Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, or other wireless spectrums.

Many of the same physical and non-physical connections as described for CATV networks also apply to telephone and high speed data networks, allowing these service providers to deliver their one or two way telecommunication services. In the case of electric utility power grid networks, the main connections of the distributed elements of the electric utility power grid network are the power line cables themselves, that transport the electrical power from power sources to power users.

In all of the above distributed networks including CATV networks, the existing cables could also be supplemented with additional cables (fiber optic or otherwise) or wirelessly to facilitate the invention, as well as improve the efficiency of the invention, where needed. Additional hardware may also be included as part of the above distributed networks to facilitate and improve the efficiency of the invention, as will be described.

Yet another aspect of all the above distributed networks that facilitates the invention is that the distributed elements are already provided power as well as potentially back-up power, over and/or to their existing infrastructure. This power and back-up is generally distributed and provided locally on or to the existing network as required, and can be expanded and supplemented as may be required to provide the herein described invention. In the case of the electric utility power grid network, the power is inherently already carried on the electric utility power grid network, and can easily be supplemented with additional power and/or back-up powering.

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

In the following description, where circuits are shown and described, one of skill in the art will recognize that, for the sake of clarity, not all peripheral circuits or components are shown in the figures or described in the description. Further, the term “couple” and “operably couple” can refer to a direct or indirect coupling of two components of a circuit.

It is noted that for the sake of clarity and convenience in describing similar components or features, the same or similar reference numbers may be used herein across different embodiments or figures. This is not to imply that the components or features identified by a particular reference number must be identical across each embodiment or figure, but only to suggest that the components or features are similar in general function or identity.

Features of the present inventions may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware or combinations thereof. The computer programs described herein are not limited to any particular embodiment, and may be implemented in an operating system, application program, foreground or background processes, driver, or any combination thereof. The computer programs may be executed on a single computer or server processor or multiple server processors.

Processors described herein may be any central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, micro-controller, computational or programmable device or circuit configured for executing computer program instructions (e.g., code). Various processors may be embodied in computer and/or server hardware of any suitable type (e.g., desktop, laptop, note-book, tablet, cellular phones, etc.) and may include all the usual ancillary components necessary to form a functional data processing device including without limitation a bus, software and data storage devices such as volatile and non-volatile memory, input/output devices, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), removable data storage, and wired and/or wireless communication interface devices including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LAN, etc.

Computer executable instructions or programs (e.g., software or code) and data described herein may be programmed into and tangibly embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable medium that is accessible to and retrievable by a respective processor as described herein which configures and directs the processor to perform the desired functions and processes by executing the instructions encoded in the medium. A device embodying a programmable processor configured to such non-transitory computer-executable instructions or programs may be referred to as a “programmable device” or “device”, and multiple programmable devices in mutual communication may be referred to as a “programmable system”. It should be noted that non-transitory “computer readable medium” or “data storage devices” as described herein may include, without limitation, any suitable volatile or non-volatile memory including random access memory (RAM) and various types thereof, read-only memory (ROM) and various types thereof, USB flash memory and magnetic or optical storage devices (e.g., internal/external hard disks, floppy discs, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, optical disks, ZIP™ drive, Blu-ray disk, and others), which may be written to and/or read by a processor operably connected to the medium.

In certain embodiments, the present inventions may be embodied in the form of computer-implemented processes and apparatuses such as processor-based data processing and communication systems or computer systems for practicing those processes. The present inventions may also be embodied in the form of software or computer program code embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which when loaded into and executed by the data processing and communications systems or computer systems, the computer program code segments configure the processor to create specific logic circuits configured for implementing the processes.

Intersecting lines in any of the FIG. below does not suggest a connection of those intersecting lines, unless specifically described in the specification.

1 FIG. 100 100 is a block diagram of a prior art for a centralized data center. Within data centerare several types of switches, servers, data storage, and ancillary functionality. These will each be discussed separately, starting with the servers.

101 100 101 100 101 101 100 100 101 101 1 FIG. The servers, provide the main processing functionality in the centralized data center. In, only 3 of the serversare highlighted, but this is only for graphical convenience, as all 12 of the servers noted in centralized data centerare servers. The serversmay be identical or different than each other, only that they provide the server functionality required for centralized data center. It should also be noted that centralized data centercould contain more or less serversthan the 12 serversnoted, again, for graphical convenience only.

101 100 101 101 101 101 101 101 100 The serversare the main processing units in the centralized data center. As such, they are high performance, high efficiency, state of the art computational processing units, performing complex calculations as required by the centralized data center. The serverscould include CPUs (central processing unit) and/or GPUs (graphics processing unit), either or both possibly including one or more core processors (not shown). The serversoperate at very high speeds to provide a high rate of computation within each server. As a result of the high speed of operation of servers, serversconsume considerable electrical power and generate considerable heat which must be dissipated from serversand ultimately externally dissipated from the data centerinto the local environment.

101 100 102 102 101 102 102 102 102 100 100 102 102 101 102 101 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. The serversin the centralized data centerare in turn connected to access layer switchesas detailed in. Included in access layer switchesare one or more high speed Ethernet ports (not shown). As with the serversdescribed above, only 2 of the 6 access layer switchesare highlighted as such in, but again this was done only for graphical convenience. As such, all of the 6 access layer switchesinare access layer switches. The access layer switchesmay be identical or different than each other, only that they provide the access layer switching functionality required for centralized data center. It should also be noted that centralized data centercould contain more or less access layer switchesthan the 6 access layer switches noted, again, it is noted as such for graphical convenience only. Additionally, while each access layer switchis shown inas being connected to only 2 servers, this was again done only for graphical convenience, and each access layer switchcould be connected to more or less than 2 servers.

102 100 101 101 107 102 102 101 The access layer switchsends two-way high speed switched data of the centralized data centerto and from each of the servers. Control of this two-way high speed switched data of the distributed data center, and specifically to which serverthis two-way high speed switched data is sent to and received from at any given time, is determined by the control processorand access layer switch. Control of this data traffic of the centralized data center is determined by many factors, including but not limited to, the type of data, the priority of that data and the specific loading (utilization) of either the access layer switchor any of the servers, etc.

102 101 101 100 101 100 100 One of the main (but not only) purposes of the access layer switchesis to control the data traffic going to and from the serversto best support of the required calculations that need to be performed by the serversin the centralized data center. Some of the serversin the centralized data centermay be specialized, dedicated, or prioritized for specific types of calculations or even specific customers or types of customers that utilize the services provided by the centralized data center.

101 100 101 102 101 100 101 100 100 101 101 Some of the serversin the centralized data centermay also not be being fully utilized at any particular instant in time when compared to other servers. As such, load balancing functionality (not shown) can be performed by the access layer switches, so that the required calculations that need to be performed by the serversin the centralized data centerare better performed and more equally balanced between all the servers, thereby improving the efficiency of the centralized data center. This load balancing can be dynamically changed on an as required basis, increasing the efficiency of the data processing within the centralized data center, and can also be utilized if one or more of the serversneed to be taken off-line as a result of serverfailure, replacement, upgrade or scheduled maintenance.

102 103 103 103 102 101 102 103 103 103 100 103 102 103 102 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. Directly above and connected to the access layer switchesinare the aggregation layer switches. Included in aggregation layer switchesare one or more high speed Ethernet ports (not shown). As illustrated in, the aggregation layer switchesconnect to each of the access layer switches. As with the serversand access layer switchesdescribed above, not all of the aggregation layer switchesare numbered accordingly, but this was again done only for graphical convenience. Likewise, the aggregation layer switchesmay be identical or different than each other, and there may be more or less than four aggregation servers, only that they provide the aggregation layer switching functionality required for centralized data center. Additionally, while each aggregation layer switchis shown inas being connected to 6 access layer switches, this was again done only for graphical convenience, and each aggregation layer switchcould be connected to more or less than 6 access layer switches.

103 100 102 100 102 107 103 103 102 The aggregation layer switchsends two-way high speed switched data of the centralized data centerto and from each of the access layer switches. Control of this two-way high speed switched data of the centralized data center, and specifically to which access layer switchthis two-way high speed switched data is sent to and received from at any given time, is determined by control processorand aggregation layer switch. Control of this data traffic of the centralized data center is determined by many factors, including but not limited to, the type of data, the priority of that data and the specific loading (utilization) of either the aggregation layer switchor any of the access layer switches, etc.

103 102 101 100 One of the main (but not only) purposes of aggregation layer switchesis to control the data traffic going to and from the access layer switchesto best support the required calculations that need to be performed by the serversin the centralized data center.

102 100 102 103 102 100 102 100 100 102 102 Some of the access layer switchesin the centralized data centermay also not be being fully utilized at any particular instant in time when compared to other access layer switches. As such, load balancing functionality (not shown) may also be performed by the aggregation layer switches, so that the required switching of data that needs to be switched to and from the access layer switchesin the centralized data centeris better performed and more equally balanced between all the access layer switches, thereby improving the efficiency of the centralized data center. This load balancing can be dynamically changed on an as required basis, to maximize the efficiency of the access layer data switching within the centralized data center, and can also be utilized if one or more of the access layer switchesneed to be taken off-line as a result of access layer switchfailure, replacement, upgrade or scheduled maintenance.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 104 104 104 103 101 102 103 104 104 100 104 103 104 103 Directly above and connected to the aggregation layer switches inare the core layer switches. Included in core layer switchesare one or more high speed Ethernet ports (not shown). As illustrated in, the core layer switchesconnect to each of the aggregation layer switches. As with the servers, access layer switches, and aggregation layer switches, there may be more or less than the 2 core layer switchesso indicated, as this was done only for graphical convenience. Likewise, the core layer switchesmay be identical or different than each other, only that they provide the core layer switching functionality required for centralized data center. Additionally, while each core layer switchis shown inas being connected to only 4 aggregation layer switches, this was again done only for graphical convenience, and each core layer switchcould be connected to more or less than 4 aggregation layer switches.

104 100 103 100 103 107 104 104 103 The core layer layer switchsends two-way high speed switched data of the centralized data centerto and from each of the aggregation layer switches. Control of this two-way high speed switched data of the centralized data center, and specifically to which aggregation layer switchthis two-way high speed switched data is sent to and received from at any given time, is determined by control processorand core layer layer switch. Control of this data traffic of the centralized data center is determined by many factors, including but not limited to, the type of data, the priority of that data and the specific loading (utilization) of either the core layer switchor any of the aggregation layer switches, etc.

104 103 101 100 103 100 103 104 103 100 103 100 100 103 103 One of the main (but not only) purposes of core layer switchesis to control the data traffic going to and from the aggregation layer switchesto best support the required calculations that need to be performed by the serversin the centralized data center. Some of the aggregation layer switchesin the centralized data centermay also not be being fully utilized at any particular instant in time when compared to other aggregation layer switches. As such, load balancing functionality (not shown) may also be performed by the core layer switches, so that the required switching of data that needs to be switched by the aggregation layer switchesin the centralized data centeris better performed and more equally balanced between all the aggregation layer switches, thereby improving the efficiency of the centralized data center. This load balancing can be dynamically changed on an as required basis, to maximize the efficiency of the aggregation layer data switching within the centralized data center, and can also be utilized if one or more of the aggregation layer switchesneed to be taken off-line as a result of access layer switchfailure, replacement, upgrade or scheduled maintenance.

104 105 100 100 104 104 104 105 104 104 100 The core layer switchesare connected to the Internetor other WAN (wide area networks) locations (not shown), internal or external to the centralized data centerand as such, the core layer switches coordinate the communications of data to and from the centralized data center. To facilitate this data communications, one or more routers or routing functionality (not shown) is also contained within the core layer switchesand/or separate from the core layer switches. This routing functionality provides the correct address (IP or otherwise) as to where the data from the core layer switchesis to be sent to or received from on the Internetor other locations. The core layer switchesalso provide for firewall functionality (not shown), either internal to or external from the core layer switches, which protects against unauthorized access into or out of the centralized data center.

106 100 100 106 106 106 106 106 100 100 106 100 100 Data storage deviceprovides for data storage of the centralized data centerfor a variety of data, including (but not limited to) incoming, interim and outgoing data processed by the centralized data center. The data storage devicefunctionality could be provided by one or more physical data storage devices, as well as virtually (not shown) within one or more of these physical data storage devices, although only 1 such data storage deviceis illustrated for graphical convenience. These data storage deviceswould primarily be located within the centralized data center, although they could also be located remotely from the centralized data center, in the cloud or otherwise (not shown). Since securing the existence and integrity of the data from the data storage devicesis fundamental to the functionality of the centralized data center, one or more methods of providing redundancy or disaster recovery for such data is provided by the centralized data center(not shown).

107 100 108 107 108 100 108 100 1 FIG. The control processorincontrols and coordinates all of the above processes from one (or more) processors in the centralized data center, under computer program control. It interfaces with the one or more user input/output device, from which user commands are inputted to and outputs received from, the control processorthrough a variety of means, including GUIs, print outs, data files, etc. The GUI or other means within the user input/output devicealso provide for other functionality, including but not limited to, monitoring, troubleshooting, server and switch performance, loading and load balancing, energy utilization and control, temperature readings from any location within or external to via temperature sensors (not shown), customer authentication and billing, etc. of the centralized data center. Any or all of these user input and output devicescould also be enacted virtually, from within or outside of the centralized data center, not shown.

1 FIG. 110 100 100 100 108 110 100 Cooling and ventilation inis provided by the functionality within cooling and ventilation. This functionality could be provided by numerous methods, including one or more air conditioning units, fans, heat pumps, circulating water or other liquids or gases, etc. (not shown) to dissipate the heat generated from the centralized data center. As mentioned previously, considerable heat is generated by the centralized data center, so dissipation of this heat generated is critical to the operation of the centralized data center, so more than one cooling and ventilation systemscould be employed, including back-up systems in the event of a failure of one or more of those systems, not shown. Some or all of the cooling and ventilationmay be internal to, or external from, the centralized data center.

109 100 109 109 109 101 109 109 1 FIG. 1 FIG. Power supplyinprovides powering for the active components of centralized data center. Even though only one power supplyis indicated, there could be one or more power supply, and these one or more power supplycould also include one or more back-up power supplies (not shown) due to the critical nature of providing power to the centralized data center. The power connections between the power supplyand all these active components in, including cooling and ventilation, is implied but not indicated, for graphical simplicity.

111 101 102 103 104 111 105 104 111 The connectionsbetween all the servers, access layer switches, aggregation layer switches, core layer switchesare generally although not exclusively, two-way high speed data connections, generally by fiber optic or Ethernet cables, while the connectionto and from the Internetfrom and to the core layer switchwhich would almost exclusively be a fiber optic cable. If a fiber optic cable is used for any of the connections, at each end of the fiber optic cable would be a transceiver (not shown) that would first convert the data signals from or to an Ethernet or other non-optical data signals to an optical signal on one or more wavelengths. The optical signals would then be transported over the fiber optic cables, and then reconverted back to or from an Ethernet or other non-optical signal at the other end of the fiber optic cable. These connections support very high speed data rates, generally, although not exclusively, from single Gbps (gigabits per second) to 100's of Gbps.

111 101 105 111 104 101 1 FIG. 1 FIG. Most all the connectionillustrated inbelow the core layer switches are considered part to the centralized data centerLAN (local area network) including Internet, and as such, are generally addressed by the respective MAC (media access control) of the specific hardware illustrated in. Most all the connectionsabove the core layer switchesare considered part of one or more WAN (wide area network) outside of the centralized data center. As such, these WAN connections are generally, although not exclusively, addressed by their IP (Internet Protocol) address.

106 106 106 101 102 103 104 107 101 106 100 Connections into and out of the data storage devicesare also implied but not indicated, for graphical simplicity. These data storage devicesmay be part of the above described LAN including the connection methods described for the LAN, and/or these data storage devicesmay also be included within any of the servers, access layer switches, aggregation layer switches, core layer switchesor control processorwithin the centralized data center. Additionally, some of these data storage devicesmay be external to the centralized data centeras described previously for data back-up or disaster recover purposes, etc., by one or more WAN networks, not shown.

107 108 107 100 The control processorsand input/output user devicesare generally although not exclusively, also connected to the LAN described above by the same or similar means. Alternatively, one or more of the control processorscould be located external to the centralized data center, and connected by one or more WAN networks or other networks, not shown.

110 109 100 Cooling and ventilationand power supplymay also connected to the WAN of the centralized data center(not shown), for control and monitoring purposes.

1 FIG. 100 is also not meant to include all of the particular items in a centralized data system, only those items that are most relevant to the proposed embodiments of the invention.

2 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 FIG. 3 FIG. 200 201 202 203 201 202 211 222 223 202 200 202 201 202 202 201 201 200 201 201 201 is a high level block diagram of a prior art CATV network, and the primary components. Withinare CATV nodes, the CATV headendand two-way fiber optic cablesthat connect the CATV nodesto the CATV headend, as well as interfaces to the Internetand/or other networks via two-way fiber optic cablesand fiber optic cables, respectively. Only one CATV headendis indicated infor simplicity, but large CATV networkscould have more than one CATV headend, not shown. Similarly, even thoughshows 5 CATV nodesconnected to the CATV headend, it is for graphical purposes only, and any given CATV headendcould be connected to more or less than 5 CATV nodes. The number of CATV nodesin any given CATV networkis generally determined by the number of homes or businesses served by the CATV node, which generally although not exclusively, is between 125 and 500 homes or businesses served by any given CATV node. Details on how these homes or businesses are connected to the CATV nodewill be detailed in.

202 204 201 206 202 205 204 201 207 202 208 205 208 204 203 202 201 205 208 2 FIG. Within CATV headend, the primary functional blocks are detailed in. Optical transceiverconnects the above mentioned CATV nodeswith one or more modulators, generally although not exclusively, QAM (quadrature amplitude modulated) mod (modulator)in the CATV headendfor processing the CATV program signals. Optical transceiveralso connects the above mentioned CATV nodeswith one or more CMTS (cable modem termination servers)in the CATV headendfor processing the two-way CATV modem signals. These CATV program signalsand the CATV modem signalsare then converted to two way optical signals in the optical transceiverfor transport over the fiber optic cablesfrom the CATV headendto and from each CATV node. The CATV program signalsand CATV modem signalsconsist of CATV content (TV program channels, movies, music, etc.) and high speed data (Internet/WiFi data, VoIP telephony, etc., and are usually although not necessarily, transported in the form of DOCSIS, or Data Over Cable Services Interface Specification) signals.

209 206 206 205 209 210 206 209 210 210 206 D/A (digital to analog converter)may or may not be required, depending on the type of input required for the QAM Mod. If the input signal into the QAM Modfor CATV program signalsis required to be in an analog format, D/Awill be required to first convert the digital signals from the output of the Switch/MUX (multiplexer)into an analog format. If the input signal into the QAM modCATV signals are required to be in a digital format, D/Amay not be required to first convert the digital signals from the output of the Switch/MUX (multiplexer)into an analog format. Instead, the digital signals from the output of the Switch/MUX (multiplexer)may be inputted directly into the QAM mod.

210 207 211 222 212 207 211 212 207 212 211 222 223 202 202 Switch/MUXinterfaces with the CMTSto provide both downstream and upstream high speed data from and to the Internetover fiber optic cablevia router/firewallto the CMTS. The connection to the Internetand the connections to the router/firewalland CMTSsupport two-way high speed switched data connections, generally, although not exclusively, via fiber optic or Ethernet cables. Connectivity between the router/firewalland the Internetis generally provided by a fiber optic cable. Alternatively or in addition to, fiber optic cablecould provide high speed data access to or from the CATV headendto other CATV headends, etc. via alternative WANs, not shown.

213 214 200 213 214 213 214 202 202 215 214 210 214 215 214 215 2 FIG. Antennaand receiverallow for over the air (satellite and/or terrestrial, etc.) program content to be delivered over the CATV network. Even though only one such antennaand receiverare indicated in, there could be more than one of each antennaand receiverconnected to the CATV headend(or at a distance remote from CATV headend). A/D (analog to digital converter)may or may not be required, depending on the output signal from the receiverto the input of the switch/MUX. If receiveroutputs an analog signal, then A/Dwill be required. If receiveroutputs a digital signal, then A/Dmay not be required.

216 200 216 200 216 215 216 210 216 215 216 210 Local content(i.e., onsite program content, etc.) can also be delivered over the CATV network. Such local contentcould include local programming, advertising, etc., and could be in either digital or in analog format, for delivery on the CATV network. If the local contentis in an analog format, then A/Dwill be required to first convert the local contentto a digital format, before being sent to the Switch/MUX. If the local contentis in a digital format, then A/Dmay not be required to first convert the local contentto a digital format, before being sent to the Switch/MUX.

210 211 212 211 222 202 201 210 214 215 202 213 201 210 216 215 202 216 201 210 204 200 201 210 202 201 200 Switch/MUXinterfaces with the Internetvia router/firewallto the Internetvia fiber optic cableto allow the CATV headendto provide streaming program content to the CATV nodes. Switch/MUXalso interfaces with the receiver, potentially through A/D, to allow the CATV headendto provide over the air program content from antennato the CATV nodes. Switch/MUXalso interfaces with local content, potentially through A/D, to allow the CATV headendto provide local contentto the CATV node. Switch/MUXalso interfaces with optical transceiver, to allow the CATV networkto provide additional high speed data connections to the CATV nodes. As such, switch/MUXmultiplexes the streaming program content, over the air program content, local content, high speed Internet data and additional high speed data connections for delivery from the CATV headendto the CATV nodesover the CATV network.

2 FIG. 2 FIG. 217 218 218 200 217 218 218 217 218 200 217 202 also shows functional blocks for the user I/O (input and output) deviceand control processor. The control processorincontrols and coordinates all of the above processes from one (or more) processors in the CATV network, under computer program control. It interfaces with the one or more user I/O device, from which user commands are inputted to and results outputted from, the control processorthrough a variety of means, including GUIs, files or other means. The GUI and control processoror other means within the user I/O devicealso provide for other functionality, including but not limited to, monitoring, troubleshooting, channel assignment, customer authentication and billing, switch loading and control, security, data encryption/decryption, energy utilization and control, and heat generation, etc. from the control processorand of the CATV system. Any or all of the user I/O devicecould also be accessed virtually, from within or outside of the CATV headend, not shown.

219 200 219 202 219 202 219 219 219 219 219 202 Data storage devicestores any data relevant to the CATV network, including but not limited to, monitoring, troubleshooting, channel assignment, customer authentication and billing, switch loading and control, security, energy utilization, and heat generation, etc. While data storage deviceis not shown as physically connected to any of the other devices in the CATV headend, this is only done for graphical convenience, and data storage deviceis generally connected to the LAN which connects most all the devices in the CATV headend. The data storage devicefunctionality could be provided by one or more physical data storage devices, as well as virtually (not shown) within one or more of these physical data storage devices, although only 1 such data storage deviceis illustrated for graphical convenience. Additionally, these data storage devicesmay be external to the CATV headendfor data back-up or disaster recover purposes, etc. (not shown).

220 202 220 220 220 202 220 202 220 202 220 2 FIG. Power supplyinprovides powering for the active components of the CATV headend. Even though only one power supplyis indicated, there could be one or more power supply, and these one or more power supplycould also include one or more back-up power supplies (not shown) due to the critical nature of providing power to the CATV headend. The power connections between the power supplyand all these active components in the CATV headendare implied but not indicated, for graphical simplicity. The power supplycould also be connected to the LAN of the CATV headend(not indicated) for status monitoring and control of power supply.

202 221 202 221 221 202 202 2 FIG. CATV headendinalso includes cooling and ventilation, which dissipates any heat generated by any of the above components within the CATV headend. Cooling and ventilationcould include conventional and non-conventional cooling and ventilation methods. Conventional methods could include HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling) units, etc., while unconventional methods could include geothermal units, as but just one example of each method. While cooling and ventilationis shown as internal to the CATV headend, parts of cooling and ventilation may be external to the CATV headend, such the compressors, condenser, fans, etc. (not shown).

210 212 207 204 218 215 209 219 221 214 Connections between the switch/MUXand the router/firewall, CMTS, optical transceiver, control processor, A/Dand D/Aare generally although not exclusively over the internal LAN using one or more high speed Ethernet ports (not shown). The LAN is also connected to the data storage deviceas mentioned, and can also connect to the cooling and ventilationand receiverfor status monitoring and control, not shown.

200 202 200 200 200 200 2 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 FIG. While the implementation of the functionality within CATV networkis highlighted inincluding but not limited to the CATV headend, it is not meant to illustrate the only way to implement the functionality within CATV network. As such, some of the functionality represented inmay be implemented in other ways or at other locations within CATV system, or some of the functionality represented inmay not be implemented at all within CATV network.is also not meant to include all of the particular items in a CATV network, only those items that are most relevant to the proposed embodiments of the invention.

3 FIG. 3 FIG. 2 FIG. 3 FIG. 300 201 202 201 202 203 201 304 305 307 201 201 307 317 317 305 210 is a block diagram of a prior art CATV node system, and all the primary components. Withinis the one of the CATV nodefrom, from where signals are received from and sent to the CATV headendand are distributed to the CATV subscribers served by that particular CATV node. The CATV signals, consisting of CATV content (TV program channels, movies, music, etc.) and high speed data (Internet/WiFi data, VoIP telephony, etc., usually although not necessarily, are generally transported in the form of DOCSIS, or Data Over Cable Services Interface Specification) signals. From the CATV headend, the CATV signals are transported over two-way fiber optic cableto the CATV node, consisting of an optical transceiverand an RF amp, which converts the optical CATV signals to CATV RF signals, generally (although not exclusively) from 5 Mhz to 1.8 Ghz, which are then transported on coaxial cablefrom the CATV node. Even though there are three outputs shown as coming out of the CATV nodeinon coaxial cables, only two such outputs are marked as node output. There could be one or more node outputsfrom one or more RF ampinside of CATV node, not shown.

312 201 312 201 These CATV signals (both optical and RF) are two-way CATV signals, consisting of both downstream signals and upstream signals. The downstream RF channels are generally (although not exclusively) from 108 Mhz to 1.8 Ghz and consist of the CATV signals going to the homes(and/or businesses, not shown) served by the CATV Node. The upstream RF channels are generally (although not exclusively) from 5 Mhz to 85 Mhz and consists of the CATV signals coming from the home or businessto the CATV node.

3 FIG. 3 FIG. 3 FIG. 3 FIG. 306 300 201 300 306 201 201 306 300 307 300 306 201 201 300 307 317 308 306 317 300 300 309 307 300 310 306 308 300 306 308 300 300 Also indicated inis power supply, for powering the active devices on a CATV node system, which include the CATV nodeitself, as well as the various amplifiers, WiFi access points, (not shown) etc., present in the CATV node system. While power supplyis shown external to the CATV node, it could also internal to the CATV node, in whole or in part. This power supplyconnects to the electric utility power grid (not shown), and converts that power (generally, 110 VAC) and injects the converted power signal into the CATV node system, typically, although not exclusively, as 60 Hz AC power from 60 VAC to 90 VAC (volts AC). This power is typically transported on the center conductor of the coaxial cablesto or through all the components in the CATV node system. The power supplyon the left ofinjects the power directly into the CATV node, where the power, in addition to powering CATV node, is in turn fed to other components in the CATV node systemvia the center conductor of the coaxial cablesat node outputas described above. The power supplyon the right side ofcould be similar or different to power supplyon the left in, or it could instead be power provided from another node outputof the CATV node systemthat has excess power. In either case, the power is generally inserted into the CATV node systemthrough a power inserteras indicated, which as before, inserts the power onto the center conductor of coaxial cableof the CATV node system. Alternatively, power could also be fed directly to one or more RF ampsfrom a similar or different power supplyor power supplyon the CATV node system. Any power supplyor power supplyon the CATV node systemcould also include a redundant (back-up) power supply to improve the reliability of the power on the CATV node system, not shown.

307 300 307 312 311 312 3 FIG. Accordingly, the coaxial cablesintransport both the CATV RF signals and the power signal in the CATV node system, with one exception. That exception is the coaxial cablesconnecting the homes (or businesses)to the taps, which generally only transport the CATV RF signals to the homes (or businesses).

310 300 300 311 311 300 312 300 308 309 307 300 3 FIG. 3 FIG. In addition to powering the active devices such as RF amps, etc. on the CATV node system, the power signal must pass through passive (non-powered) devices on the CATV node system, such as the tapsas indicated on. These tapsinallow for both the power and CATV RF signals to be passed through them for other devices in the CATV node system(with the exception noted above to homes (or businesses)). When the budgeted power for the specified active components on the CATV node systemhas been consumed, an additional power supplyand/or power insertermust be added in that section of the coaxial cableof the CATV node systemrequiring power.

201 313 203 202 313 202 203 203 202 201 The CATV nodemay also likely include a switchwhich is also connected to fiber optic cablefrom the CATV headend. The communication signals between switchand the CATV headendmay be on the same or another fiber optic cable, and if the former, could be on another optical wavelength on fiber optic cable, and can provide additional high speed data connections for consumer or commercial use between the CATV headendand the CATV node, for current or future use.

201 201 202 201 202 201 313 313 3 FIG. 3 FIG. While a conventional CATV Nodeis indicated in, it is not meant to be exhaustive. The proposed invention works equally well with more advanced CATV nodes, such as Remote Phy (physical layer) nodes (i.e., RPHY nodes) and/or Remote MAC Physical nodes (i.e., R MAC PHY nodes). Both the RPHY nodes and R MAC PHY nodes are more advanced versions of conventional CATV node, in that they may move some of the hardware and/or processing software from the CATV headendout to the CATV node, not shown. Movement of this hardware and/or processing software from the CATV headendout to the CATV nodecan be facilitated with the switchin. Switchmay or may not have Ethernet connections, not shown.

3 FIG. 314 300 300 300 300 also includes data storage devicethat stores data relevant to the operation of the CATV node system. This data could include but is not limited to, data that is specific to customers served by the CATV node system, the identification, configuration, performance and/or troubleshooting of components contained within the CATV node system, and security and outages on the CATV node system, etc.

3 FIG. 316 201 316 201 316 highlights the CATV node housingsurrounding the CATV node. The CATV node housingis generally although not exclusively, made out of metal or other materials that efficiently transfer any heat generated from the components of the CATV nodesuch that the heat generated can be dissipated into the air around the CATV node housing.

3 FIG. 3 FIG. 315 316 201 315 315 316 315 316 also includes cooling finson the CATV node housing, that help dissipate any of the heat generated internally by the components within the CATV node. Even though three such cooling finsare indicated in, there could be more or less than 3 cooling fins, generally located on and/or around the CATV node housing. The cooling finsare generally partially or even fully located around the entire CATV node housing.

315 316 201 316 315 Cooling finsare generally although not exclusively, made out of metal or other materials, generally attached to, or an integral part of, the CATV node housing, such that the any heat generated internally by the components of the CATV nodecan be more efficiently dissipated into the air around the CATV node housingand cooling fins.

3 FIG. 3 FIG. 2 FIG. 317 201 307 310 311 312 300 201 200 201 310 317 310 311 311 310 311 311 310 312 310 311 310 317 As indicated inand the details above, from the node outputsof CATV node, the CATV RF signals (two-way) and power signals are transported over coaxial cableto RF amps, taps, and ultimately to homes(and/or businesses, not shown) on the CATV node system. Although only a single nodeis indicated in, in any given CATV network, there could be one or more CATV nodes(as detailed previously in), each of which will in turn be connected to one or more RF ampfrom one or more node outputs(although potentially there could be no RF amp) each of which will in turn be connected to one or more taps. Each tapservices typically between 1 and N homes (or businesses) where N is generally between 1 and 8, and from any given RF amp, there would be a number of M taps, where M is typically between 4-6 tapstypical until the next RF ampor last homeserved by the RF amp. The tapsmay also be located before the first RF Ampout of each node output, not shown.

201 310 311 307 203 200 300 306 308 309 200 300 The CATV nodes, the RF amps, the taps, the coaxial cablesand fiber optic cablesare generally although not exclusively, installed on and supported by, telephone poles and strand wire between those telephone poles (neither shown) in the CATV network, including CATV node system. The power supplies, power supplyand power insertermight also be installed on and supported by, telephone poles and strand wire between those telephone poles (neither shown) in the CATV network, including CATV node system.

3 FIG. 300 and the descriptions above are also not meant to include all of the particular items in a CATV node system, only those items that are most relevant to the proposed embodiments of the invention.

4 FIG. 1 FIG. 4 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 5 FIG. 7 FIG. 5 FIG. 7 FIG. 200 400 200 402 424 103 104 424 424 424 401 702 424 400 401 702 401 702 401 702 is a block diagram of an alternative CATV network, according to one embodiment, for use as a distributed data center. The invention leverages the CATV networkto decentralize the data center functionality described in. In the CATV headendin, switchhas been added, which can be an aggregation layer switch or a core layer switch, with the same or similar functionality of the aggregation layer switchinor the core layer switchin. Whether switchwill be an aggregation layer switch or a core layer switch will be detailed later in details regardingand. Switchcan include one or more high speed Ethernet ports (not shown). The switchconnects to either an access layer switch or an aggregation layer switch that are now part of the CATV nodeor CATV node, respectively that will be described and clarified more fully in. and, respectively. As such, switchsends two-way high speed switched data of the distributed data centerto, and receives high speed data from, one or more CATV nodesor CATV nodes. Contained within one or more CATV nodesor CATV nodesare either one or more access layer switch or one or more aggregation layer switch that are now part of the CATV nodeor CATV node, respectively.

424 412 400 412 424 411 422 423 The switchis connected to the router/firewallwhich provides firewall protection to protect against unauthorized access into or out of this part of the distributed data center. The router/firewallalso provides routing functionality to provide the correct address (IP or otherwise) as to where the data from the switchis to be sent to or received from on the Internetvia fiber optic cableor other WANs via fiber optic cable.

402 400 424 402 400 422 411 423 402 423 402 400 411 402 424 402 400 If there are more than one CATV headendin a distributed data center, then there could be more than one or more switchesas so indicated. These additional CATV headendin the distributed data centercould be connected to each via fiber optic cableto the Internet, and/or they could be connected to fiber optic cable, which could be connected to one or more additional CATV headend(not shown). Fiber optic cableconnected to one or more additional CATV headendmay or may not already be present in the distributed data center, to provide back up to the Internetor other CATV headends. Switchesin additional CATV headendsmay be identical or different than each other, only that they provide the switching functionality required for the distributed data center.

424 402 401 702 410 404 401 702 403 424 401 702 424 401 410 404 403 424 401 702 400 4 FIG. 4 FIG. The switchinis also connected to downstream (to the right) of the CATV headendto CATV nodes(or CATV node, to be detailed later) via switch/MUXand optical transceiverto the CATV nodes(or CATV node) via one or more fiber optic cables. These connections are the primary two-way data connections between the switchand the CATV nodes(or CATV nodes). Additionally, while the switchis shown inas being connected to only 5 CATV nodesvia switch/MUX, optical transceiverand fiber optic cables, this was again done only for graphical convenience, and each switchcould be connected as such to more or less than 5 CATV nodes(or CATV node) in the distributed data center.

424 418 100 402 401 702 401 702 401 702 401 702 424 418 100 517 Switchand control processorcontrol the two-way high speed switched data of the distributed data centerfrom the CATV headend, to and from each one or more CATV nodesor CATV nodes. Contained within one or more CATV nodesor CATV nodesare either one or more access layer switch or one or more aggregation layer switch that are now part of the CATV nodeor CATV node, respectively. Control of this high speed switched data, and specifically to which CATV nodeor CATV nodethis high speed data is sent to and received from at any given time, is determined by switchand control processor. Control of this two-way high speed switched data of the distributed data centeris determined by many factors, including but not limited to, the type of data, the priority of that data, and the specific loading (utilization) of any of the above mentioned switches or specific ports on any of the above mentioned switches, processing resources available in the servers, etc., at any given time.

424 418 100 424 513 401 703 702 513 401 703 702 500 700 513 401 703 702 500 700 513 401 703 702 Switchand control processoralso perform the function of load balancing of the two-way high speed switched data of the distributed data center, between the switchand each of the either the access layer switchin nodeor the aggregation layer switchin node(distinction to be described below). This load balancing helps to ensure that all the required switching to either the access layer switchesin nodeor the aggregation layer switchesin nodein the CATV node systemor CATV node system, respectively, is more efficiently performed and more equally balanced between all the access layer switchesin nodesor the aggregation layer switchesin nodesin the CATV node systemsor CATV node systems, respectively. This load balancing can be dynamically changed on an as required basis, and also can also be utilized if one or more of the access layer switchesin nodeor the aggregation layer switchesin nodeneed to be taken off-line as a result of server failure, replacement, upgrade or scheduled maintenance.

424 404 418 402 401 702 402 The switch, optical transceiver, control processoror similar means within CATV headendcan support encryption and decryption of the data signals going to and coming from CATV nodesand/or CATV nodescoming from or going to CATV headend, respectively, for security purposes, using any number of industry encryption techniques (not shown).

425 402 401 702 401 702 425 425 402 401 702 401 702 425 419 518 709 608 717 4 FIG. 5 FIG. 7 FIG. 5 FIG. 7 FIG. 5 FIG. 7 FIG. 5 FIG. 7 FIG. Time sourceis included in, to provide a precise time reference signal for the two-way high speed switched data communications between the CATV headendand nodes, as well as nodes, to be detailed inand, and other items connected to those nodesand nodes, also to be detailed inand. The time sourcecould be derived from a high precision clock atomic clock, cesium or otherwise or any other precision source, such as a GPS or WiFi signal, or otherwise. The precise time reference signal generated from time sourceis communicated from the CATV headendto the CATV nodes, as well as to nodesto be detailed inand, and other items connected to those nodeand nodes, also to be detailed inand. The time reference signal from time sourceis also stored in data storage device, data storage device, data storage device, data storage deviceand data storage device.

4 FIG. 4 FIG. 417 418 418 418 400 500 700 418 417 418 418 417 400 418 400 402 500 700 418 402 also shows functional blocks for the user I/O (input and output) deviceand control processor. The control processorincontrols and coordinates all of the processes from one (or more) control processorsin the distributed data center, (and the CATV node systemand CATV node system, to be described later) under computer program and user control. The control processorinterfaces with the one or more user I/O device, from which user commands are inputted to and results outputted from, the control processorthrough a variety of means, including GUIs or other means. The control processorand the I/O devicealso facilitate and coordinate the input and output of client (customer) data into and out of the distributed data center. The control processorprovides for the functionality and control of, including but not limited to, monitoring, troubleshooting, channel assignment, customer authentication and billing, switch loading and control, energy utilization and control, and heat generation, security, encryption/decryption, etc. of the distributed data center. Coordination of data timing, synchronization, and decryption/encryption between the CATV headendand CATV node systemsand CATV node systemsare also provided by the control processors. The encryption and decryption of the signals going to and coming from the CATV headend, for security purposes, can be provided using any number of industry encryption techniques (not shown).

417 418 402 Any or all of the user I/O devicesand/or control processormay also be accessed virtually, from within or outside of the CATV headend, not shown, with appropriate data security measures put in place, not shown.

411 211 424 402 404 402 401 702 403 204 424 402 411 422 402 402 401 702 403 4 FIG. 2 FIG. 4 FIG. 2 FIG. Connectivity to and from the Internetinmay need to be enhanced or increased from what it was when compared to the Internetin, to support the addition of the switchin the CATV headend. Likewise, the optical transceiverand connectivity to and from it and the CATV headendand the CATV node(or CATV node) via fiber optic cablesinmay need to be enhanced or increased from what it was when compared to the optical transceiverinto support the addition of the switchin the CATV headend. Both the above described enhancements or increases could be provided with additional fiber optic cables to and from the Internetvia fiber optic cableand CATV headend, and/or to and from the CATV headendand the CATV nodes(or CATV nodes) via fiber optic cables. Alternatively or in addition to, the above described enhancements or increases could also be provided by using additional optical wavelengths and/or different optical modulations on any of the above referenced fiber optic cables. As such, these connectivity enhancements or increases could be in the form of additional bandwidth (i.e., higher speed), reduced latency (response time), more redundancy, improved security, etc., or all of these.

412 212 424 402 412 4 FIG. 2 FIG. The router/firewallinmay also need to be enhanced or increased from what it was when compared to the router/firewallin, to support the addition of the switchin the CATV headend. These enhancements or increases could be in the form of additional and/or higher speed ports on the router/firewall, faster or more capacity routing, a more secure firewall, etc.

410 210 424 402 410 410 4 FIG. 2 FIG. The switch/MUXinmay also need to be enhanced or increased from what it was when compared to the switch/MUXin, to support the addition of the switchin the CATV headend. These enhancements or increases could be in the form of additional and/or higher speed ports on the switch/MUX, faster or more capacity switching and multiplexing, a more secure switch/MUX, etc.

406 206 424 402 408 4 FIG. 2 FIG. The QAM Modinmay also need to be enhanced or increased from what it was when compared to the QAM Modin, to support the addition of the switchin the CATV headend. These enhancements or increases could be in the form of additional and/or higher speed ports on QAM Mod, faster or higher order modulations, etc.

408 208 424 402 2 FIG. There may be more CATV modem signalsfrom what there was when compared to the CATV modem signalsin, to support the addition of the switchin the CATV headend.

419 400 419 402 419 402 419 419 419 419 419 418 424 402 Data storage devicestores any data relevant to the distributed data center, including but not limited to, client data, monitoring, troubleshooting, channel assignment, customer authentication and billing, switch loading and balancing, control, security, energy utilization, and heat generation, etc. While data storage deviceis not shown as physically connected to any of the other devices in the CATV headend, this is only done for graphical convenience, and data storage deviceis generally connected to the LAN which connects most all the other devices in the CATV headend. The data storage devicefunctionality could be provided by one or more physical data storage devices, as well as virtually (not shown) within one or more of these physical data storage devices, although only 1 such data storage deviceis illustrated for graphical convenience. Additionally, these data storage devicesmay also be part of control processoror switch, and may be external to the CATV headendfor data back-up or disaster recover purposes, etc. (not shown).

419 219 424 402 400 419 4 FIG. 2 FIG. The data storage deviceinmay also need to be enhanced or increased from what it was when compared to the data storage devicein, to support the addition of the switchin the CATV headendof the distributed data center. These enhancements or increases to data storage devicecould be in the form of additional memory, faster memory, more back-up memory, more secure memory, remote memory (not shown), etc.

420 402 420 420 420 402 420 402 420 402 420 4 FIG. Power supplyinprovides powering for the active components of the CATV headend. Even though only one power supplyis indicated, there could be one or more power supply, and these one or more power supplycould also include one or more back-up power supplies (not shown) due to the critical nature of providing power to the CATV headend. The power connections between the power supplyand all these active components in the CATV headendis implied but not indicated, for graphical simplicity. The power supplycould also be connected to the LAN of the CATV headend(not indicated) for status monitoring and control of power supply.

420 220 424 402 420 420 420 4 FIG. 2 FIG. Likewise, the power supplyand any backup power supplies (not shown) inmay also need to be enhanced or increased from what it was when compared to the power supply devicein, to support the addition of the switchin the CATV headend. These enhancements or increases could be in the form of additional power suppliesand/or additional capacity to the existing power supply, more back-up power supplies(not shown), etc.

402 422 402 422 422 402 402 4 FIG. CATV headendinalso includes cooling and ventilation, which dissipates any heat generated by any of the above components within the CATV headend. Cooling and ventilationcould include conventional and non-conventional cooling and ventilation methods. Conventional methods could include HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling) units, etc., while unconventional methods could include geothermal units, as but just one example of each method. While cooling and ventilationis shown as internal to the CATV headend, parts of cooling and ventilation may be external to the CATV headend, such the compressors, condenser, fans, etc. (not shown).

422 221 424 402 422 422 4 FIG. 2 FIG. Additionally, the cooling and ventilationinmay also need to be enhanced or increased from what it was when compared to the cooling and ventilationin, to support the addition of the switchin the CATV headend. These enhancements or increases could be in the form of additional cooling and ventilationand/or additional capacity to the cooling and ventilation.

418 218 400 424 402 418 418 418 418 4 FIG. 2 FIG. Similarly, the control processorinmay also need to be enhanced or increased from what it was when compared to the control processorin, to support the distributed data center, and the addition of the switchin the CATV headend. These enhancements or increases could be in the form of additional control processors, additional capacity and/or speed to/from and of the control processors, more security and/or improved security to the control processors, more back-up or remote control processors(not shown), etc.

417 217 424 402 417 417 417 417 4 FIG. 2 FIG. The user I/O deviceinmay also need to be enhanced or increased from what it was when compared to the user I/O devicein, to support the addition of the switchin the CATV headend. These enhancements or increases could be in the form of additional user I/O devices, additional capacity and/or speed to/from the user I/O devices, more security and/or improved security to the user I/O devices, more back-up or remote user I/O devices(not shown), etc.

407 207 424 402 407 407 407 407 4 FIG. 2 FIG. Similarly, the CMTSin. may also need to be enhanced or increased from what it was when compared to the CMTSin, to support the addition of the switchin the CATV headend. These enhancements or increases could be in the form of additional CMTS, additional capacity and/or speed to/from the CMTS, more security and/or improved security to the CMTS, more back-up or remote CMTS(not shown), etc.

424 412 410 419 418 407 402 4 FIG. One of more of the switch, router/firewall, switch/MUX, data storage device, control processor, and/or CMTSfunctionality in. may be provided within and/or external to each of these devices (not shown), potentially even external from the CATV headend.

410 412 407 404 418 415 409 419 422 414 424 402 2 FIG. Connections between the switch/MUXand the router/firewall, CMTS, optical transceiver, control processor, A/Dand D/Aare generally although not exclusively over the internal LAN using one or more high speed Ethernet ports (not shown). The LAN is also connected to the data storage deviceas mentioned, and can also connect to the cooling and ventilationand receiverfor status monitoring and control, not shown. Some or all of these connection may need to be enhanced or increased from what to these same connections in, to support the addition of the switchin the CATV headend. These enhancements or increases could be in the form of additional connections, additional capacity and/or speed to/from and of these connections, more security and/or improved security to these connections, etc.

402 202 413 414 415 409 416 405 213 214 215 209 216 205 402 202 4 FIG. 2 FIG. 4 FIG. 2 FIG. 4 FIG. 2 FIG. Generally, all the remaining functional blocks of CATV headendinremain the same or similar to those similarly named blocks of the CATV headendin, including the antenna, receiver, A/D, D/A, local contentand connectionin, when compared to the antenna, receiver, A/D, D/A, local contentand connectionin. These similarly named and numbered blocks inandprovide the same or similar functionality in the CATV headendand CATV headend, respectively.

4 FIG. 200 is also not meant to include all of the particular items in a CATV network, only those items that are most relevant to the proposed embodiments of the invention.

5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 5 FIG. 400 500 401 402 401 401 402 500 402 403 401 504 505 401 521 507 401 521 401 507 521 505 401 is a block diagram of an alternative CATV node system, according to one embodiment for use as a distributed data center, with distributed switches and servers.is a block diagram of a CATV node system, and all the primary components. Withinis one of the CATV nodesfrom, from which signals are received from and sent to the CATV headend, of which some of these signals are distributed to the CATV subscribers served by that particular CATV node, and include CATV signals. As indicated in, and as described, there are one or more CATV nodesconnected to CATV headend, hence there are one or more CATV node systemsin the distributed data center. The CATV signals, consisting of CATV content (TV program channels, movies, music, etc.) and high speed data (Internet/WiFi data, VoIP telephony, etc., usually although not necessarily, are generally although not exclusively, transported in the form of DOCSIS, or Data Over Cable Services Interface Specification) signals. From the CATV headend, the CATV signals are transported over one or more two-way fiber optic cablesto the CATV nodes, consisting of an optical transceiverand an RF amplifier, which converts the optical CATV signals to CATV RF signals, generally (although not exclusively) from 5 Mhz to 1.8 Ghz, which are then outputted from the CATV nodeat node outputs, and then transported on coaxial cablesfrom the CATV node. Even though there is only one node outputlabelled and shown as coming out of the CATV nodeinonto coaxial cables, there could be one or more node outputsfrom one or more RF ampinside CATV node.

512 401 512 401 These CATV signals (both optical and RF) are two-way CATV signals, consisting of both downstream signals and upstream signals. The downstream RF channels are generally (although not exclusively) from 108 Mhz to 1.8 Ghz and consist of the CATV signals going to the home (or businesses)served by the CATV Node. The upstream RF channels are generally (although not exclusively) from 5 Mhz to 85 Mhz and consists of the CATV signals coming from the home or businessto the CATV node.

5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 506 500 401 510 517 500 506 401 401 506 500 507 500 508 506 500 500 509 507 500 510 517 500 506 508 506 508 500 500 Also indicated inis power supply, for powering the active devices on a CATV node system, which include the CATV nodeitself, as well as active (powered) device including, but not limited to, the various RF amps, servers, WiFi access points (not shown), etc., present in the CATV node system. While power supplyis shown external to the CATV node, it could also internal to the CATV node, in whole or in part. This power supplyinjects power (AC or otherwise) from the power grid (not shown), and inserts that power signal to the CATV node system, typically, although not exclusively, as 60 Hz AC power from 60 VAC to 90 VAC. This power signal is typically transported on the center conductor of the coaxial cablesto or through all the components in the CATV node system. The power supplyon the right side ofcould be similar or different to power supplyon the left in, or the power provided could instead be power fed from another output of the CATV node systemthat has excess power. In either case, the power signal is generally inserted into the CATV node systemthrough a power inserteras indicated, which as before, inserts the power signal onto the center conductor of the coaxial cableof the CATV node system. Alternatively, or in addition to, power signal could also be fed directly to one or more RF ampsand serverson the CATV node systemfrom a similar or different power supplyor power supply. Any power supplyor power supplyon the CATV node systemcould also include a redundant (back-up) power supply, as well as battery back-up (not shown) to improve the capacity and reliability of the power signal on the CATV node system.

507 500 507 512 511 512 5 FIG. Accordingly, the coaxial cablesintransport both the CATV RF signals and the power signal in the CATV node system, with one exception. That exception is the coaxial cablesconnecting the homes (or businesses)to the taps, which generally only transport the CATV RF signals to and from the homes(or businesses).

510 517 500 500 511 511 512 507 500 500 508 509 500 5 FIG. 5 FIG. In addition to powering the active devices such as RF amps, servers, WiFi access points (not shown), etc. on the CATV node system, the power signal must pass through passive (non-powered) devices on the CATV node system, such as the tapsas indicated on. These tapsinallow for both the CATV RF signals and power signal to be passed through them, with the exception noted above, to homes(or businesses), on the center conductor of the coaxial cable, for other devices in the CATV node system. When the budgeted power for the specified components on the CATV node systemhas been consumed, an additional power supplyand/or power insertermust be added in that leg of the CATV node systemrequiring power.

511 512 512 507 511 512 510 511 511 510 512 510 517 500 5 FIG. The tapsinare in turn connected to one or more homes(and/or businesses, not shown) which split off a portion of the two-way CATV RF signals and sends those two-way CATV RF signals to homes(and/or businesses, not shown), via coaxial cable. Each tapservices typically between 1 and N homes (or businesses)where N is generally between 1 and 8, and from any given RF amp, there would be an M number of taps, where M is typically between 4-6 taps, until the next RF ampor last homeserved by the RF amp. The number of serverssupported by the CATV node systemwill be described below.

401 513 514 516 513 513 102 402 403 424 402 513 313 201 313 513 5 FIG. 1 FIG. 3 FIG. The CATV nodeinincludes an access layer switch, which is connected to optical transceiver, via two-way high speed Ethernet or fiber optic cable. Included in access layer switchmay be one or more high speed Ethernet ports (not shown). The access layer switch, similar in functionality to the access layer switchin, is also connected to the CATV headendvia fiber optic cables, and provide two-way high speed switched data connectivity to the switchat CATV headend, which is now an aggregation layer switch as described previously. The access layer switchmay also include some or all of the functionality of switchin CATV nodefrom, or the functionality of switchmay be separate from the access layer switch(not shown).

425 401 401 401 518 Included in or separate from this two-way high speed switched data, the time reference signal generated from the time sourcein CATV headendis also communicated to the CATV node. This time reference signal provides precise synchronization of all the two-way high speed switched data coming into, or going out of, the CATV node, and is stored in data storage device.

513 401 514 513 515 517 514 517 514 401 500 5 FIG. There could also be more than one access layer switchlocated in the CATV node. The optical transceiverconverts the two-way high speed output and input electrical data signals from access layer switchto optical data signals, for transport of these data signals over one or more fiber optic cablesto one or more serversin. This data could be transported optically from and/or to the optical transceiverto the serversby conventional optical modulation techniques or coherent optical modulation techniques, etc. There could be one or more optical transceiversin any given CATV nodeor CATV node system.

522 401 522 513 514 518 516 Coordination of all the above functionality, including but not limited, data timing and data decryption/encryption is provided by CPU (central processing unit)in the CATV node. CPUis connected to access layer switches, optical transceiverand data storage device, etc. via high speed connection(Ethernet LAN or otherwise).

513 517 500 513 400 517 500 Access layer switchis also connected to one or more serversin CATV node system. Access layer switchsends two-way high speed switched data of the distributed data centerto and receives this two-way high speed switched data from, the one or more serversin CATV node system.

522 513 400 513 517 500 400 517 522 513 400 513 517 517 CPUand access layer switchcontrol the two-way high speed switched data of the distributed data centerto and from the access layer switchand each of the one or more serversin CATV node system. Control of this two-way high speed switched data of the distributed data center, and specifically to which serverthis two-way high speed switched data is sent to and received from at any given time, is determined by CPUand access layer switch. Control of this data traffic of the distributed data centeris determined by many factors, including but not limited to, the type of data, the priority of that data and the specific loading (utilization) of either the access layer switchor any of the servers, processing resources available in the servers, etc.

522 513 400 513 517 401 515 517 500 517 500 517 CPUand access layer switchalso performs the function of load balancing of the two-way high speed switched data of the distributed data center, between the access layer switchand all the serversconnected to that particular CATV nodeby fiber optic cables, so that the required calculations that need to be performed by the serversin the CATV node systemare more efficiently performed and more equally balanced between all the servers. This load balancing can be dynamically changed on an as required basis, increasing the efficiency of the data processing within the CATV node system, and can also be utilized if one or more of the serversneed to be taken off-line as a result of server failure, replacement, upgrade or scheduled maintenance.

522 418 402 424 401 513 402 424 401 513 522 418 402 424 401 401 513 402 424 401 513 522 418 425 419 518 402 424 401 513 403 402 401 518 419 CPUand control processoralso performs the function of determining the latency (delay) of data signals to and from CATV headend(and aggregation layer switch) and the CATV node(and access layer switch). This can be accomplished by transmitting a brief data signal to the CATV headend(and aggregation layer switch) from the CATV node(and access layer switch), in coordination with CPUand control processor, and have it returned by the CATV headend(and aggregation layer switch) to the CATV node, and calculating the latency. The latency is defined as the time delay (difference) between when the brief data signal was transmitted from the CATV node(and access layer switch) and when the brief data signal was received back from the CATV headend(and aggregation layer switch) at the CATV node(and access layer switch), and as calculated by CPUand control processor. Calculation of the latency uses the time reference signal generated by from time sourceand stored in data storage deviceand data storage deviceas the common time reference for both the above transmitted and received brief data signal. The latency is a measure of all the inherent time delays to and from the CATV headend(and aggregation layer switch) and the CATV node(and access layer switch) respectively, and includes not only delays associated with signal transport over the various lengths and types of fiber optic cable, but also any signal transport and processing within the CATV headendand CATV node. Once the latency is determined, it is stored in data storage deviceand data storage device.

403 402 401 419 518 402 424 401 513 400 500 400 402 424 401 513 400 425 402 424 401 513 400 402 424 401 513 400 424 402 513 401 418 424 402 522 513 401 The latency will remain virtually unchanged, unless there are changes to any of the fiber optic cable, CATV headendor CATV nodes, at which time the above process of determining latency can be recalculated and stored again in data storage deviceand data storage device. The above latency can also be rechecked periodically and recalculated. The above latency calculated will be different between the CATV headend(and aggregation layer switch) and each CATV node(and access layer switches) on the distributed data center, and must be calculated for each CATV node systemon the distributed data center. These latency calculations will be used to compensate the timing of all future switched data transmissions to and from the CATV headend(and aggregation layer switch) and each CATV node(and access layer switch) respectively, on the distributed data centerto account for these inherent latencies. The latency compensations, in conjunction with the time reference signal described previously from time source, will synchronize all such future switched data transmissions to and from the CATV headend(and aggregation layer switch) and each CATV node(and access layer switch) respectively, on the distributed data center. This will allow the future switched data transmissions to and from the CATV headend(and aggregation layer switch) and each CATV node(and access layer switch) respectively, on the distributed data centerto be received by the aggregation layer switchat the CATV headendand the access layer switchesat each nodeat very close to the exact same time. This data synchronization will be performed by a combination of the control processorand aggregation layer switchat the CATV headendand the CPUand access layer switchesat each CATV node.

513 514 522 401 517 402 517 402 514 513 401 500 The access layer switch, optical transceiver, CPUor similar means within CATV nodeand/or the serversand/or the aggregation switch at the CATV headend, can support encryption and decryption of these data signals going to and coming from serversand/or CATV headend, respectively, for security purposes, using any number of industry encryption techniques (not shown). Some or all of the functionality of the optical transceiverand/or the access layer switchcould be located external from the CATV node, or even external to the CATV node system.

5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 515 517 517 1 514 515 517 514 517 1 517 517 507 As shown in, there could be one or more optical cablesgoing to and from one or more servers(serversindicated inas serverthough server X, where X is one or more) from the optical transceiver, even though only one such fiber optic cableis shown connecting to serverfrom the optical transceiver, as this was shown only for graphical convenience. Some of these servers(serverthrough server X) may also not be visible in, as they could be downstream (i.e., to the right or the top of the serversthat are visible), of those visible serversas noted inas on coaxial cablegoing “to other taps, amps and servers”.

515 517 500 515 517 500 514 515 517 515 514 500 500 517 513 424 402 5 FIG. Generally, although not exclusively, there is an equal quantity of fiber optic cableand serverin any given CATV node system. Alternatively, there could be an unequal quantity of fiber optic cablesand serversin any given CATV node system, if one or more of the outputs of the optical transceiverare on one or more different optical wavelengths on the same or different optical cable. Generally, although not exclusively, the number of serversand associated fiber optic cablesand/or optical transceiversin any given CATV node systemis generally determined by the geographic size and topology of the CATV node system, and the number of serversthat can be supported by access layer switchesinand aggregation switchin the CATV headend.

515 517 401 500 200 500 507 515 5 FIG. Some or all of the fiber optical cablesnecessary to connect the serversto the CATV headendmay be already present in the CATV node system. The owner and/or operators of the CATV network, including the CATV node system, will oftentimes install fiber optic cable alongside the coaxial cablesfor current or future usage, that might function as fiber optic cablesin.

5 FIG. 517 507 507 510 507 517 507 517 507 510 517 511 517 also shows that the serversare connected to the coaxial cables. Since the power signal (AC or otherwise) is already present on the coaxial cablesas described previously to power the RF amps, etc., this same or expanded power present on the coaxial cablescan also be used to power the servers. Additionally, since the CATV RF (downstream and upstream) is also present on the coaxial cables, both the power signal and the CATV RF signal need to be passed through the servers(not shown) to allow for both power signal and the CATV RF signals to be sent to and received from both additional active devices via coax cables, such as RF amps, servers, etc. and passive (non-powered) devices, such as taps, etc. which may be downstream (to the right) of the servers.

507 517 401 515 Since the CATV RF signals are also already present on the coaxial cablesas described previously, these CATV RF signals could also be used to connect some or all of the serversto the CATV nodewith two-way high speed switched data connections via a DOCSIS modem (not shown), in addition or supplemental to, the fiber optic cable connectionsdescribed previously.

401 518 518 401 518 518 518 518 518 401 401 518 401 401 314 518 518 5 FIG. 3 FIG. CATV nodeinalso includes data storage device. Data storage deviceprovides for data storage relevant to the CATV node, including (but not limited to) incoming, interim and outgoing data processed, switch loading and load balancing, decryption and encryption information (such as keys, etc.) for such data, time reference signals, latencies, etc. The data storage devicefunctionality could be provided by one or more physical data storage devices, as well as virtually (not shown) within one or more of these physical data storage devices, although only 1 such data storage deviceis illustrated for graphical convenience. These data storage deviceswould primarily be located within the CATV node, although they could also be located remotely from the CATV node, in the cloud or otherwise (not shown). Since securing the existence and integrity of the data from the data storage devicesis fundamental to the functionality of the CATV node, one or more methods of providing redundancy or disaster recovery for such data is provided by the CATV node(not shown). Some or all of the data storagefunctionality inmay be included in the above mentioned data storage device, or it may be separate from the above mentioned data storage device.

506 306 513 517 500 506 506 506 5 FIG. 3 FIG. The power suppliesand any backup power (not shown) inmay also need to be enhanced or increased from what it was when compared to the power supply devicein, to support the addition of the access layer switchand serversin the CATV node system. These enhancements or increases could be in the form of additional power suppliesand/or additional capacity to the existing power supply, more back-up power supplies(not shown), or alternative powering methods, not shown, etc.

5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 520 401 520 401 520 519 401 401 519 519 519 520 401 520 519 519 520 520 519 401 401 513 401 highlights the CATV node housingsurrounding the CATV node. The CATV node housingis generally although not exclusively, made out of metal or other materials that efficiently transfer any heat generated from the components of the CATV node, such that it can be dissipated into the air around the CATV node housing.also includes cooling finson the CATV node, that help dissipate any of the heat generated internally by the components within the CATV node. Even though three such cooling finsare indicated in, there could be more or less than 3 cooling fins, and they could each be of the same or different sizes. Cooling finsare generally although not exclusively, made out of metal or other materials, generally attached to, or an integral part of, the CATV node housing, such that the any heat generated internally by the components of the CATV nodecan be more efficiently dissipated into the air around the CATV node housingand cooling fins. The cooling finsare generally partially or even fully located around the entire CATV node housing. While the CATV housingand cooling finsdissipate any heat generated internally by the components of the CATV node, additional cooling methods (not shown) may need to be included in and/or outside CATV node, to provide such additional cooling for the addition of switchto the CATV node. These methods could include heat pipes, heat sinks, liquid or gas circulation systems, etc. to provide such additional cooling, not shown.

401 510 511 517 507 403 515 400 500 506 508 509 400 500 5 FIG. The CATV nodes, RF amps, taps, servers, coaxial cablesand fiber optic cablesand fiber optic cablesinare generally although not exclusively, installed on and supported by, telephone poles and strand wire between those telephone poles (neither shown) in the distributed data center, including CATV node system. The power supplies, power supplyand power insertermight also be installed on and supported by, telephone poles and strand wire between those telephone poles (neither shown) in the distributed data center, including CATV node system.

517 1 311 2 2 517 2 511 1 5 FIG. 3 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. Even though serverslabeled serversthrough servers X inhave replaced tapslabelled tapsin, it is not meant to suggest that tapsno longer exist in, only that they have been removed for graphical convenience to illustrate the inclusion of serversin. Tapsinare still present, as part of each tapstring labelled tapthrough tap M.

5 FIG. 500 and the descriptions above are also not meant to include all of the particular items in a CATV node system, only those items that are most relevant to the proposed embodiments of the invention.

6 FIG. 6 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. 5 FIG. 500 400 521 507 521 507 401 500 510 511 512 401 is a block diagram of an alternative CATV node system, according to one embodiment, for use as a distributed data centerwith distributed servers, with server block diagram. For graphical convenience, only one node outputconnecting to coaxial cableis indicated in, although there could be more than one node outputconnecting to coaxial cablecoming out of CATV node, not shown. All other items and functionality from the CATV node systeminremain present, such as the RF amps, taps, home, etc., even if not indicated in, as well CATV nodeand the functionality contained within, and described previously in.

6 FIG. 6 FIG. 517 517 602 603 517 400 400 602 418 400 602 517 602 517 425 402 500 517 603 517 603 602 includes the block diagram for serverand all the primary components. Serverincludes a CPU(central processing unit) which includes one or more core processors, which are high performance, high efficiency, state of the art computational processing units. The serversare the main processing units in the distributed data center, performing complex calculations as required by the distributed data center, under the control of CPUand the control processor. In addition to performing the above complex calculations as required by the distributed data center, CPUcan perform data decryption and encryption of the above data coming into, and out of, the server, respectively, for security purposes, using any number of industry encryption techniques. CPUalso coordinates the timing of the switched data coming into, and out of, the server. The time reference signal generated from the time sourcein CATV headendand communicated to the CATV node systemdescribed previously, is also communicated to the servers. Even though only 3 such core processorsin serverare indicated in, there can be one or more core processorsas noted above. CPUcan be replaced and/or supplemented with GPU (graphics processing unit), not shown, which can use parallel processing to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

602 522 401 513 517 517 401 513 602 522 517 401 401 513 517 517 602 522 425 419 518 608 517 401 515 517 401 608 518 CPUand CPUalso performs the function of determining the latency (delay) of data signals to and from the CATV node(and access layer switch) and servers. This can be accomplished by transmitting a brief data signal to the serversfrom the CATV node(and access layer switch), in coordination with CPUand CPU, and have it returned by the serverto the CATV nodeand calculating the latency. The latency is defined as the time delay (difference) between when the brief data signal was transmitted from the CATV node(and access layer switch) to the serverand when the brief data signal was received back from the serverand as calculated by CPUand CPU. Calculation of the latency uses the time reference signal generated by from time sourceand stored in data storage device, data storage deviceand data storage device, as the common time reference for both the above transmitted and received brief data signal. The latency is a measure of all the inherent time delays to and from each serverfrom the CATV node, and includes not only delays associated with signal transport over the various lengths and types of fiber optic cable, but also any signal transport and processing within the serversand CATV node. Once the latency is determined, it is stored in data storage deviceand data storage device.

515 517 401 608 518 401 513 517 500 517 500 401 513 517 500 425 518 608 401 513 517 500 401 513 517 500 513 401 517 522 513 401 602 517 500 The latency will remain virtually unchanged, unless there are changes to any of the fiber optic cables, servers, or CATV node, at which time the above process of determining latency can be recalculated and stored again in data storage deviceand data storage device. The above latency can also be rechecked periodically and recalculated. The above latency calculated will be different between the CATV node(and access layer switches) and each serveron the CATV network, and must be calculated for each serveron the CATV node system. These latency calculations will be used to compensate the timing of all future switched data transmissions to and from the CATV node(and access layer switch) and each serverrespectively, on the CATV node systemto account for these inherent latencies. The latency compensations, in conjunction with the time reference signal described previously from time sourceand stored in data storage deviceand data storage device, will synchronize all such future switched data transmissions to and from the CATV node(and access layer switch) and each serveron the CATV node system. This will allow the future switched data transmissions to and from the CATV node(and access layer switch) and each serveron the CATV node system, to be received by the access layer switchesat each nodeand each serverat very close to the exact same time. This data synchronization will be performed by a combination of the CPUand access layer switchat CATV nodeand CPUat each serverin the CATV node system.

517 401 515 514 401 604 517 604 514 401 604 517 605 602 Two-way data communications between each serverand the CATV nodeis accomplished via fiber optic cableswhich are connected at each end to the optical transceiverat the CATV nodeand the optical transceiverat the server, respectively. The optical transceiverconverts the two-way high speed optical data signals from and to the optical transceiverat the CATV node, into two-way high speed electrical data signals. The optical transceiveris connected internally at the servervia high speed connection(Ethernet LAN or otherwise) to CPU (and/or GPU).

517 606 507 517 517 606 606 517 606 517 517 6 FIG. Serversmay also contain power supply, which receives the power signal transported on the center conductor of the coaxial cables, typically, although not exclusively, as 60 Hz AC power from 60 VAC to 90 VAC, and converts that power signal to voltages that might be more readily useable by the components internal to the server, such as 12 VDC (volts DC) as but one example, to power the server. The power supplymight also include back-up power or power storage capabilities, not shown. Even thoughindicates only power supplyin server, there may be one of more power suppliespresent in server, either internal to, or external from, server, not shown.

607 517 517 606 517 401 401 Sensoris included in server, to sense any parameters that might be relevant to the server, such as temperature, conditions of the power supplyand/or any back-up power or power storage capabilities, not shown, conditions and/or interruptions of the data connectivity between the serversand CATV node, and/or CATV headend, etc.

517 608 517 517 602 603 606 607 517 608 608 517 608 608 602 605 Serversmay also contain memorywhich can store data relevant to the operation of the server. This data stored can include data incoming to and outgoing from the server, decryption and encryption information (such as keys, etc.) and time reference signals for this data, latencies, interim data processed by the CPUand/or any of the core processors, data from the power supply, sensor, etc. Even though serversindicates only one memory, there may be one of more memorypresent in server, or any memorymight also include virtual memory. The memoryis connected to the CPUvia high speed connection(Ethernet LAN or otherwise).

608 517 400 500 400 500 400 500 700 608 517 608 400 500 400 500 700 402 608 608 402 Alternatively, or in addition to, memorycan provide storage for data that may be more general in nature, i.e., not only directly associated with the operation of the serverand the above distributed data centerand CATV node system, but rather as general data being stored by the distributed data centerand CATV node systemas a service provided to the clients (customers) of the distributed data center, CATV node systemand CATV node system. Such general data could include, but not limited to, back-up personal or business data, including financial records, customer information, legal documentation, databases, patient medical records, multimedia content, emails, etc., to name but a few of the possible types of general data that could be stored in one or more memoryin one or more servers. This general data could be stored in the above one or more memoryon the same distributed data centerand CATV node systemdescribed. The distributed nature of the distributed data center, CATV node systemand CATV node systemalso allows this general data to be individually fragmented by the CATV headend, and the fragmented parts stored in and across multiple memoriesfor enhanced security of that general data. The fragmented parts stored in and across multiple memoriescan then be reassembled by CATV headend, when that general data needs to be retrieved.

6 FIG. 609 517 609 517 517 also highlights the server housingsurrounding the server. The server housingis generally although not exclusively, made out of metal or other materials that efficiently transfer any heat generated from the components of the servers, such that it can be can be dissipated into the air around the server.

6 FIG. 6 FIG. 610 517 517 610 610 610 609 517 609 610 610 609 609 610 610 517 also includes cooling finson the server, that help dissipate any of the heat generated internally by the components within the server. Even though three such cooling finsare indicated in, there could be more or less than 3 cooling fins, and they could each be of the same or different sizes. Cooling finsare generally although not exclusively, made out of metal or other materials, generally attached to, or an integral part of, the server housing, such that any heat generated internally by the components of the servercan be more efficiently dissipated into the air around the server housingand cooling fins. The cooling finsare generally partially or even fully located around the entire server housing. While the server housingand cooling finsdissipate any heat generated internally by the components of the server, additional cooling methods (not shown) may need to be included in and/or outside server, to provide such additional cooling. These methods could include heat pipes, heat sinks, liquid or gas circulation systems, etc. to provide such additional cooling.

401 510 511 517 507 403 515 400 500 506 508 509 500 400 500 6 FIG. The CATV nodes, RF amps, taps, servers, coaxial cablesand fiber optic cablesand fiber optic cablesinare generally although not exclusively, installed on and supported by, telephone poles and strand wire between those telephone poles (neither shown) in the distributed data center, including CATV node system. The power supplies, power supplyand power inserterand any other alternative means of providing and/or storing power in the CATV node system, not shown, might also be installed on and supported by, telephone poles and strand wire between those telephone poles (neither shown) in the distributed data center, including CATV node system.

6 FIG. 500 and the descriptions above are also not meant to include all of the particular items in a CATV node system, only those items that are most relevant to the proposed embodiments of the invention.

7 FIG. 6 FIG. 5 FIG. 7 FIG. 7 FIG. 700 400 517 521 507 521 507 401 500 510 511 512 517 507 508 509 507 is a block diagram of an alternative CATV node system, according to another embodiment, for use as a distributed data center, with distributed access switches and distributed servers. As in, for graphical convenience, only one node outputconnecting to coaxial cableis indicated, although there could be more than one node outputconnecting to coaxial cablecoming out of CATV node, not shown. All other items from the CATV node systeminremain present, such as the RF amps, taps, home, servers, coaxial cables, power supplyand power inserter, etc., even if not indicated in, as well as items connected to coaxial cablegoing “to other taps, amps and servers”, even if not illustrated in.

7 FIG. 5 FIG. 7 FIG. 7 FIG. 7 FIG. 701 701 701 517 706 517 706 701 702 705 517 507 517 2 507 517 507 includes one or more access layer switches, even though only one such access layer switchis indicated. The access layer switchesare each connected to one or more serversvia fiber optic cables, even though only three such serversand fiber optic cablesare indicated. The access layer switchesare each also connected to the CATV nodevia fiber optic cables. The serversalso remain connected to, and are powered from, the coaxial cablesin, even if not illustrated in. One such server(server) is shown connected to, and powered from, the coaxial cablein, which then outputs downstream (to the right) of that same serverthe power and CATV RF signals on coaxial cable, to “other taps, amps and servers” as also in.

702 703 704 516 703 703 103 402 403 424 402 703 424 402 424 424 402 7 FIG. 1 FIG. 7 FIG. The CATV nodeinincludes switch an aggregation layer switch, which is connected to optical transceiver, via two-way high speed switched data to Ethernet or fiber optic cable. Included in aggregation layer switchare one or more high speed Ethernet ports (not shown). The aggregation layer switch, is similar in functionality to the aggregation layer switchin, and is also connected to the CATV headendvia fiber optic cables, and provide two-way high speed switched data connectivity to the switchat CATV headend. In the configuration of, the aggregation layer switch, is connected to switchat CATV headend, which is now a core layer switch. Included in this core layer switchat the CATV headendare one or more high speed Ethernet ports (not shown).

500 700 402 400 Similar to CATV node system, there are one or more CATV node systemsconnected to CATV headendin this distributed data center.

721 702 418 402 721 703 704 709 Coordination of the above functionality is provided by CPU (central processing unit)in the CATV node, in conjunction with control processorat the CATV headend. CPUis connected to aggregation layer switches, optical transceiverand data storage devicevia high speed connection (Ethernet LAN or otherwise).

703 701 700 703 400 701 700 Aggregation layer switchis also connected to one or more access layer switchesin CATV node system. Aggregation layer switchsends two-way high speed switched data of the distributed data centerto and receives from, the one or more access layer switchesin CATV node system.

721 703 400 703 701 700 400 701 721 703 400 703 701 517 CPUand aggregation layer switchcontrol the two-way high speed switched data of the distributed data centerto and from the aggregation layer switchand each of the one or more access layer switchesin CATV node system. Control of this two-way high speed switched data of the distributed data center, and specifically to which access layer switchthis two-way high speed switched data is sent to and received from at any given time, is determined by CPUand aggregation layer switch. Control of this data of the distributed data centeris determined by many factors, including but not limited to, the type of data, the priority of that data and the specific loading (utilization) of either the aggregation layer switchand any of the access layer switches, processing resources available in the servers, etc.

721 703 703 701 702 703 700 701 700 700 701 CPUand aggregation layer switchalso performs the function of load balancing between the aggregation layer switchand all the access layer switchesthat are connected to that particular CATV node, so that the required switching that need to be performed by the aggregation layer switchesin the CATV node systemare better performed and more equally balanced between all the access layer switches, thereby improving the efficiency of the CATV node system. This load balancing can be dynamically changed on an as required basis, increasing the efficiency of the data processing within the CATV node system, and can also be utilized if one or more of the access layer switchesneed to be taken off-line as a result of failure, replacement, upgrade or scheduled maintenance.

721 418 402 424 401 703 402 424 401 703 721 418 402 424 702 702 703 402 424 702 703 721 418 425 419 709 402 424 702 703 403 402 702 709 419 CPUand control processoralso performs the function of determining the latency (delay) of data signals to and from CATV headend(and core layer switch) and the CATV node(and aggregation layer switch). This can be accomplished by transmitting a brief data signal to the CATV headend(and core layer switch) from the CATV node(and aggregation layer switch), in coordination with CPUand control processor, and have it returned by the CATV headend(and core layer switch) to the CATV node, and calculating the latency. The latency is defined as the time delay (difference) between when the brief data signal was transmitted from the CATV node(and aggregation layer switch) and when the brief data signal was received back from the CATV headend(and core layer switch) at the CATV node(and aggregation layer switch), and as calculated by CPUand control processor. Calculation of the latency uses the time reference signal generated by from time sourceand stored in data storage device, and transmitted to and stored in data storage device, as the common time reference for both the above transmitted and received brief data signal. The latency is a measure of all the inherent time delays to and from the CATV headend(and core layer switch) and the CATV node(and aggregation layer switch) respectively, and includes not only delays associated with signal transport over various lengths and types of fiber optic cables, but also any signal transport and processing within the CATV headendand CATV node. Once the latency is determined, it is stored in data storage deviceand data storage device.

403 402 702 518 419 402 424 702 703 400 402 424 702 703 400 425 402 424 702 703 400 702 703 400 402 424 702 703 400 424 402 703 702 418 424 402 721 703 702 The latency will remain virtually unchanged, unless there are changes to any of the fiber optic cables, CATV headendor CATV nodes, at which time the above process of determining latency can be recalculated and stored again in data storage deviceand storage device. The above latency can also be rechecked periodically and recalculated. The above latency calculated will be different between the CATV headend(and core layer switch) and each CATV node(and aggregation layer switches) on the distributed data center. These latency calculations will be used to compensate the timing of all future switched data transmissions to and from the CATV headend(and aggregation layer switch) and each CATV node(and access layer switch) respectively, on the distributed data centerto account for these inherent latencies. The latency compensations, in conjunction with the time reference signal described previously from time source, will synchronize all such future switched data transmissions to and from the CATV headend(and core layer switch) and each CATV node(and aggregation layer switch) respectively, on the distributed data center, and must be calculated for each CATV nodeand access layer switchon the distributed data center. This will allow the future switched data transmissions to and from the CATV headend(and core layer switch) and each CATV node(and aggregation layer switch) respectively, on the distributed data centerto be received by the core layer switchat the CATV headendand the aggregation layer switchesat each nodeto be received at very close to the exact same time. This data synchronization will be performed by a combination of the control processorand core layer switchat the CATV headendand the CPUand aggregation layer switchesat each CATV node.

703 702 703 313 201 313 703 704 703 705 701 704 701 704 702 700 3 FIG. 7 FIG. There could also be more than one aggregation layer switchlocated in the CATV node, although only one is shown. The aggregation layer switchmay also include some or all of the functionality of switchin CATV nodefrom, or the functionality of switchmay be separate from the aggregation layer switch(not shown). The optical transceiverconverts the two-way high speed output and input electrical data signals from aggregation layer switchto optical data signals, for transport of these data signals over fiber optic cablesto access layer switchesin. This data could be transported optically from and/or to the optical transceiverto access layer switchesby conventional optical modulation techniques or coherent optical modulation techniques. There could be one or more optical transceiversin any given CATV nodeor CATV node system.

703 704 712 702 701 517 424 402 402 703 701 517 704 703 702 700 The aggregation layer switchand/or optical transceiver, CPUor similar means within CATV node, the access layer switchesand/or the serversand/or the core layer switchat the CATV headend, can support encryption and decryption of these data signals going to and coming from the CATV headendto the aggregation layer switchesand access layer switchesto the servers, for security purposes, using any number of industry encryption techniques (not shown). Some or all of the functionality of the optical transceiverand/or the aggregation layer switchcould be located external from the CATV node, or even external to the CATV node system.

7 FIG. 7 FIG. 705 701 704 705 701 704 701 517 517 507 As shown in, there could be one or more optical cablesgoing to and from one or more access layer switchesfrom the optical transceiver, even though only one such fiber optic cableis shown connecting to access layer switchfrom the optical transceiver, as this was shown only for graphical convenience. Some of these access layer switchesand serversmay also not be visible in, as they could be downstream (i.e., to the right or the top) of the serversthat are visible and connected to coaxial cablegoing “to other taps, amps and servers”.

705 701 700 705 701 700 704 705 701 705 704 700 700 517 703 701 424 7 FIG. 4 FIG. Generally, although not exclusively, there is an equal quantity of fiber optic cablesand access layer switchesin any given CATV node system. Alternatively, there could be an unequal quantity of fiber optic cablesand access layer switchesin any given CATV node system, if one or more of the outputs of the optical transceiverare on one or more different optical wavelengths on the same or different optical cable. Generally, although not exclusively, the number of access layer switchesand associated fiber optic cablesand/or optical transceiversin any given CATV node systemis determined by the geographic size and topology of the CATV node system, and the number of serversthat can be supported by the aggregation layer switchesand access layer switchesinand switches the core layer switchesin.

705 706 701 517 702 700 400 700 507 705 706 7 FIG. Some or all of the fiber optical cablesand fiber optic cablesnecessary to connect the access layer switchesto serversand to the and CATV nodemay be already present in the CATV node system. The owner and/or operators of the distributed data center, including the CATV node system, will oftentimes install fiber optic cable alongside the coaxial cablesfor current or future usage, that might function as fiber optic cablesor fiber optic cablesin.

707 701 707 701 Power supplyprovides powering to the access layer switchesand receives that power from the electrical utility power grid or otherwise (not shown). The power supplycan be internal to, or external from the access layer switches, and can include back-up powering means, from batteries or otherwise (not shown).

701 507 700 517 Alternatively or in addition to, the access layer switchescould be powered directly from coaxial cablein the CATV node system, in the same or similar fashion as the serversare powered, and described above, not shown.

708 702 708 Power supplyprovides powering to the CATV headendand receives that power from the electrical utility power grid or otherwise (not shown). The power supplycan also include back-up powering means, from batteries or otherwise (not shown).

702 709 709 702 709 709 709 709 709 702 702 702 702 702 314 709 709 7 FIG. 3 FIG. CATV nodeinalso includes data storage device. Data storage deviceprovides for data storage relevant to the CATV node, including (but not limited to) incoming, interim and outgoing data processed, switch loading and load balancing, decryption and encryption information (such as keys, etc.) for such data, time reference signals, latencies, etc. The data storage devicefunctionality could be provided by one or more physical data storage devices, as well as virtually (not shown) within one or more of these physical data storage devices, although only 1 such data storage deviceis illustrated for graphical convenience. These data storage deviceswould primarily be located within the CATV node, although they could also be located remotely from the CATV node, in the cloud or otherwise (not shown). Since securing the existence and integrity of the data from the data storage devicesis fundamental to the functionality of the CATV node, one or more methods of providing redundancy or disaster recovery for such data is provided by the CATV node(not shown). Some or all of the data storagefunctionality inmay be included in the above mentioned data storage device, or it may be separate from the above mentioned data storage device.

7 FIG. 710 702 710 702 710 highlights the CATV node housingsurrounding the CATV node. The CATV node housingis generally although not exclusively, made out of metal or other materials that efficiently transfer any heat generated from the components of the CATV node, such that it can be dissipated into the air around the CATV node housing.

7 FIG. 7 FIG. 711 710 702 711 711 711 710 702 710 711 711 710 710 711 702 702 also includes cooling finson the CATV node housing, that help dissipate any of the heat generated internally by the components within the CATV node. Even though three such cooling finsare indicated in, there could be more or less than 3 cooling fins, and they could each be of the same or different sizes. Cooling finsare generally although not exclusively, made out of metal or other materials, generally attached to, or an integral part of, the CATV node housing, such that the any heat generated internally by the components of the CATV nodecan be more efficiently dissipated into the air around the CATV node housingand cooling fins. The cooling finsare generally partially or even fully located around the entire CATV node housing. While the CATV housingand cooling finsdissipate any heat generated internally by the components of the CATV node, additional cooling methods (not shown) may need to be included in and/or outside the CATV node, to provide such additional cooling. These methods could include heat pipes, heat sinks, liquid or gas circulation systems, etc. to provide such additional cooling.

702 510 511 517 507 403 705 706 700 701 506 508 509 500 400 700 7 FIG. The CATV nodes, RF amps, taps, servers, coaxial cablesand fiber optic cables,andinare generally although not exclusively, installed on and supported by, telephone poles and strand wire between those telephone poles (neither shown) in the CATV node system. The access layer switches, power supplies, power supplyand power inserterand any other alternative means of providing and/or storing power in the CATV node system, not shown, might also be installed on and supported by, telephone poles and strand wire between those telephone poles (neither shown) in the distributed data center, including CATV node system.

7 FIG. 700 and the descriptions above are also not meant to include all of the particular items in a CATV node system, only those items that are most relevant to the proposed embodiments of the invention.

8 FIG. 5 FIG. 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 700 400 701 701 521 507 521 507 401 505 500 510 517 511 512 507 is a block diagram of an alternative CATV node system, according to one embodiment, for use as a distributed data centerwith distributed access layer switches, with access layer switchblock diagram. For graphical convenience, only one node outputconnecting to coaxial cableis indicated, although there could be more than one node outputconnecting to coaxial cablecoming out of CATV node, connecting internally to one or more RF amps, not shown. All other items from the CATV node systeminremain present, such as the RF amps, servers, taps, home, etc., even if not indicated in, as well as items connected to coaxial cablegoing “to other taps, amps and servers”, even if not illustrated in.

8 FIG. 8 FIG. 7 FIG. 701 701 701 710 701 715 716 400 715 703 includes access layer switch block diagramand all the primary components. Access layer switchesinare the same as access layer switchesin, only with more access layer switchdetails provided. Access layer switchincludes a CPU(central processing unit) which includes one or more core processors, which are high performance, high efficiency, state of the art computational processing units, performing complex calculations for the distributed data center, under the control of CPUand aggregation layer switch.

701 102 715 701 716 701 716 715 8 FIG. 1 FIG. 8 FIG. The access layer switchesinprovide similar functionality as to the access layer switchesin. In addition to providing the above data processing, CPUcan perform data decryption and encryption of the above data coming into, and out of, the access layer switch, respectively, for security purposes, using any number of industry encryption techniques. Even though only 3 such core processorsin access layer switchare indicated in, there can be one or more core processorsas noted above. CPUcan be replaced and/or supplemented with GPU (graphics processing unit), not shown, which can use parallel processing to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

715 721 702 703 701 700 701 702 703 715 721 701 702 703 701 700 715 721 425 419 709 717 701 702 705 701 702 709 717 CPUand CPUalso performs the function of determining the latency (delay) of data signals to and from the CATV node(and aggregation layer switch) and each access layer switchin the CATV node system. This can be accomplished by transmitting a brief data signal to the access layer switchesfrom the CATV node(and aggregation layer switch), in coordination with CPUand CPU, and have it returned by the access layer switchesand calculating the latency. The latency is defined as the time delay (difference) between when the brief data signal was transmitted from the CATV node(and aggregation layer switch) and when the brief data signal was received back from each access layer switchat the CATV node system, and as calculated by CPUand CPU. Calculation of the latency uses the time reference signal generated by from time sourceand stored in data storage device, and also transmitted to and stored in data storage deviceand data storage device, as the common time reference for both the above transmitted and received brief data signal. The latency is a measure of all the inherent time delays to and from each access layer switchand CATV node, and includes not only delays associated with signal transport over different lengths and types of fiber optic cable, but also any signal transport and processing within each access layer switchand CATV node. Once the latency is determined, it is stored in data storage deviceand data storage device.

705 701 702 709 717 702 703 701 700 701 702 703 701 700 425 709 717 702 703 701 700 702 703 701 700 703 702 701 721 703 702 715 701 700 The latency will remain virtually unchanged, unless there are changes to any of the fiber optic cables, access layer switches, or CATV node, at which time the above process of determining latency can be recalculated and stored again in data storage deviceand data storage device. The above latency can also be rechecked periodically and recalculated. The above latency calculated will be different between the CATV node(and aggregation layer switches) and each access layer switchon the CATV network, and needs to be calculated for each access layer switch. These latency calculations will be used to compensate the timing of all future switched data transmissions to and from the CATV node(and aggregation layer switch) and each access layer switch, on the CATV node systemto account for these inherent latencies. The latency compensations, in conjunction with the time reference signal described previously from time sourceand stored in data storage deviceand data storage device, will synchronize all such future switched data transmissions to and from the CATV node(and aggregation layer switch) and each access layer switchon the CATV node system. This will allow the future switched data transmissions to and from the CATV node(and aggregation layer switch) and each access layer switchon the CATV node system, to be received by the aggregation layer switchesat each node, and each access layer switch, at very close to the exact same time. This data synchronization will be performed by a combination of the CPUand aggregation layer switchat CATV nodeand CPUat each access layer switchin the CATV node system.

701 517 700 701 400 517 700 Access layer switchis also connected to one or more serversin CATV node system. Access layer switchsends two-way high speed switched data of the distributed data centerto and receives from, the one or more serversin CATV node system.

715 701 400 701 517 700 400 517 715 703 400 701 517 517 CPUin access layer switchcontrol the two-way high speed switched data of the distributed data centerto and from the access layer switchand each of the one or more serversin CATV node system. Control of this two-way high speed switched data of the distributed data center, and specifically to which serverthis two-way high speed switched data is sent to and received from at any given time, is determined by CPUin the access layer switch. Control of this data of the distributed data centeris determined by many factors, including but not limited to, the type of data, the priority of that data and the specific loading (utilization) of either the access layer switchand any of the servers, and/or processing resources available in the servers, etc.

715 701 701 517 701 701 700 517 700 400 700 517 CPUin the access layer switchalso performs the function of load balancing between the access layer switchand all the serversthat are connected to that particular access layer switch, so that the required switching that need to be performed by the access layer switchesin the CATV node systemare better performed and more equally balanced between all the servers, thereby improving the efficiency of the CATV node systemin the distributed data center. This load balancing can be dynamically changed on an as required basis, increasing the efficiency of the data processing within the CATV node system, and can also be utilized if one or more of the serversneed to be taken off-line as a result of server failure, replacement, upgrade or scheduled maintenance.

715 602 701 517 517 701 715 602 517 701 517 700 517 715 602 425 419 709 717 608 517 706 517 701 608 717 CPUand CPUalso perform the function of determining the latency (delay) of data signals to and from the access layer switchesand servers. This can be accomplished by transmitting a brief data signal to each serverfrom the access layer switches, in coordination with CUand CPU, and have it returned by each serverand calculating the latency. The latency is defined as the time delay (difference) between when the brief data signal was transmitted from the access layer switchesto each of the serversin CATV node systemand when the brief data signal was received back from the serverand as calculated by CPUand CPU. Calculation of the latency uses the time reference signal generated by from time sourceand stored in data storage device, and transmitted to and stored in data storage device, data storage deviceand data storage device, as the common time reference for both the above transmitted and received brief data signal. The latency is a measure of all the inherent time delays to and from each serverrespectively, and includes not only delays associated with signal transport over the varying lengths and types of each fiber optic cable, but also any signal transport and processing within the serversand each access layer switch. Once the latency is determined, it is stored in data storage deviceand data storage device.

706 517 701 608 717 701 517 701 700 517 701 701 517 700 425 608 717 701 517 700 701 517 700 701 517 701 715 701 602 517 700 The latency will remain virtually unchanged, unless there are changes to any of the fiber optic cable, servers, or access layer switch, at which time the above process of determining latency can be recalculated and stored again in data storage deviceand data storage device. The above latency can also be rechecked periodically and recalculated. The above latency calculated will be different between each access layer switchand each serverconnected to that access switchon the CATV node systemand needs to be calculated for each serverconnected to each access layer switch. These latency calculations will be used to compensate the timing of all future switched data transmissions to and from the access layer switchand each serverrespectively, on the CATV node systemto account for these inherent latencies. The latency compensations, in conjunction with the time reference signal described previously from time sourceand stored in data storage deviceand storage device, will synchronize all such future switched data transmissions to and the access layer switchand each serveron the CATV node system. This will allow the future switched data transmissions to and from the access layer switchand each serveron the CATV node system, to be received by the access layer switchesand each serverconnected to that access layer switchat very close to the exact same time. This data synchronization will be performed by a combination of the CPUand access layer switchand CPUat each serverin the CATV node system.

701 702 705 704 702 712 701 712 704 702 712 701 713 724 715 Two-way data communications between each access layer switchand the CATV nodeis accomplished via fiber optic cableswhich are connected at each end to the optical transceiverat the CATV nodeand the optical transceiverat the access layer switches, respectively. The optical transceiverconverts the two-way high speed optical data signals from and to the optical transceiverat the CATV node, into two-way high speed electrical data signals. The optical transceiveris connected internally at the access layer switchto the Ethernet interfacevia high speed connections(Ethernet LAN or otherwise) to CPU(and/or GPU).

701 719 507 701 701 719 719 701 719 701 719 707 8 FIG. Access layer switchmay also contain power supply, which receives the power signal transported on the center conductor of the coaxial cables, typically, although not exclusively, as 60 Hz AC power from 60 VAC to 90 VAC, and converts that power signal to voltages that might be more readily useable by the components internal to the access layer switch, such as 12 VDC (volts DC) as but one example, to power the access layer switch. The power supplymight also include back-up power or power storage capabilities, not shown. Even thoughindicates only power supplyin access layer switch, there may be one of more power suppliespresent in access layer switch, not shown. Alternatively or in addition to power supply, power could also be provided by power supply, which is connected to the electric utility power grid, not shown.

701 714 701 517 701 706 604 517 714 701 714 701 713 724 715 701 712 714 705 706 705 706 705 706 Access layer switchesalso includes optical transceiver, which provides for two-way high speed switched data communications between each access layer switchand each serversconnected to that access layer switch. This two-way high speed switched data communications is accomplished via fiber optic cableswhich are connected at each end to optical transceiversat each serverand the optical transceiverat the access layer switch. The optical transceiveris connected internally at the access layer switchto the Ethernet interfacevia high speed connections(Ethernet LAN or otherwise) to CPU(and/or GPU). Access layer switchcould have one or more optical transceiversand/or optical transceiversconnected to one or more optical fiber cablesand optical fiber cables, respectively. One or more optical fiber cablesand/or optical fiber cablescould include one or more optical wavelengths on those optical fiber cablesand/or optical fiber cables.

718 701 701 719 707 701 702 517 402 Sensoris included in access layer switch, to sense any parameters that might be relevant to the access layer switch, such as temperature, conditions of the power supply, power supplyand/or any back-up power or power storage capabilities, not shown, conditions and/or interruptions of the data connectivity between the access layer switchesand CATV node, serversand/or CATV headend, etc.

701 717 701 701 715 716 719 707 718 701 717 717 701 717 717 715 701 724 Access layer switcheswill also contain memorywhich can store data relevant to the access layer switch. This data stored can include data incoming to and outgoing from the access layer switch, switch loading and load balancing, decryption and encryption information (such as keys, etc.) and time reference signals for such data, latencies, interim data processed by the CPUand/or any of the core processors, data from the power supplyand/or power supply, sensor, etc. Even though access layer switchindicates only one memory, there may be one of more memorypresent in access layer switch, or any memorymight also include virtual memory, not shown. The memoryis connected internally to the CPUin the access layer switchvia high speed connections(Ethernet LAN or otherwise).

8 FIG. 722 701 722 701 701 also highlights the access layer switch housingsurrounding the access layer switch. The access layer switch housingis generally although not exclusively, made out of metal or other materials that efficiently transfer any heat generated from the components of the access layer switch, such that it can be can be dissipated into the air around the access layer switch.

8 FIG. 8 FIG. 723 701 701 723 723 723 722 701 722 723 723 722 722 723 701 701 also includes cooling finson the access layer switch, that help dissipate any of the heat generated internally by the components within the access layer switch. Even though three such cooling finsare indicated in, there could be more or less than 3 cooling fins, and they could each be of the same or different sizes. Cooling finsare generally although not exclusively, made out of metal or other materials, generally attached to, or an integral part of, the access layer switch housing, such that the any heat generated internally by the components of the access layer switchcan be more efficiently dissipated into the air around the access layer switch housingand cooling fins. The cooling finsare generally partially or even fully located around the entire access layer switch housing. While the access layer switch housingand cooling finsdissipate any heat generated internally by the components of the access layer switch, additional cooling methods (not shown) may need to be included in and/or outside access layer switch, to provide such additional cooling. These methods could include heat pipes, heat sinks, liquid or gas circulation systems, etc. to provide such additional cooling.

401 510 511 517 507 515 705 706 403 400 700 701 506 508 509 700 400 700 8 FIG. The CATV nodes, RF amps, taps, servers, coaxial cablesand fiber optic cables,,andinare generally although not exclusively, installed on and supported by, telephone poles and strand wire between those telephone poles (neither shown) in the distributed data center, including CATV node system. The access layer switch, power supplies, power supplyand power inserterand any other alternative means of providing and/or storing power in the CATV node system, not shown, might also be installed on and supported by, telephone poles and strand wire between those telephone poles (neither shown) in the distributed data center, including CATV node system.

8 FIG. 700 and the descriptions above are also not meant to include all of the particular items in a CATV node system, only those items that are most relevant to the proposed embodiments of the invention.

9 FIG. 9 FIG. 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 1 FIG. 800 400 100 100 400 700 101 102 103 104 111 100 400 700 is a block diagram of an alternative CATV network, according to another embodiment, for use as a distributed data center, with functional equivalent locations detailed.includes a portion of(on the left) of key elements of the centralized data center, which compares (on the right), indicating where the functional equivalent locations of those same functional key elements of the centralized data centerare now located in the distributed data centercontained within CATV node system. As noted in, some of the servers, access layer switches, aggregation layer switches, core switchesand connectionsbetween them have been removed from. This is not to suggest that these removed items no longer exist in the centralized data center, it was only done so for graphical convenience, to make room infor the functional equivalent locations of the key items in, and where those functional equivalent items are now located in the distributed data center, contained within CATV node system.

106 107 108 109 110 106 107 108 109 110 400 700 1 FIG. 9 FIG. Data storage device, control processor, user input/output device, power supplyand cooling and ventilationhave also been removed fromin, but again, this was only for graphical convenience. The functional location equivalent of data storage device, control processor, user input/output device, power supplyand cooling and ventilationin the distributed data centercontained within CATV node systemwill be described in the specification below.

801 517 7 FIG. 8 FIG. The functional location of serverswas detailed as serversinand, and as described in the specification above.

802 706 7 FIG. 8 FIG. The functional location of connectivitywas detailed as fiber optic cablesinand, and as described in the specification above.

802 701 7 FIG. 8 FIG. The functional location of access layer switchwas detailed as access layer switchinand, and as described in the specification above.

804 705 7 FIG. 8 FIG. The functional location of connectivitywas detailed as fiber optic cablesinand, and as described in the specification above.

805 703 703 7 FIG. 8 FIG. The functional location of aggregation layer switchwas detailed as switchinand, and as described as an aggregation layer switchin the specification above.

806 403 7 FIG. 8 FIG. The functional location of connectivitywas detailed as fiber optic cablesinand, and as described in the specification above.

807 424 424 4 FIG. The functional location of core layer switchwas detailed as switchin, and described as a core layer switchin the specification above, for this embodiment.

105 411 9 FIG. 4 FIG. The functionality of the Internetin, is provided by the Internetin, and as described in the specification above.

111 104 105 422 423 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 4 FIG. The functional location of connectivityinbetween the core layer switchesand the Internetin, was detailed as fiber optic cablesand/or fiber optic cablesin, and as described in the specification above.

106 801 608 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 6 FIG. The functionality of the data storage deviceinfor the serversinis provided by the data storage devicein, and as described in the specification above.

106 803 717 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 8 FIG. The functionality of the data storage deviceinfor the access layer switchinis provided by the data storage devicein, and as described in the specification above.

106 805 709 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 7 FIG. 8 FIG. The functionality of the data storage deviceinfor the aggregation layer switchinis provided by the data storage deviceinand, and as described in the specification above.

106 807 419 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 4 FIG. The functionality of the data storage deviceinfor the core layer switchinis provided by the data storage devicein, and as described in the specification above.

107 801 602 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 6 FIG. The functionality of the control processorinfor the serversinis provided by the CPUin, and as described in the specification above.

107 803 715 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 7 FIG. 8 FIG. The functionality of the control processorinfor the access layer switchinis provided by the CPUinand, and as described in the specification above.

107 805 721 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 7 FIG. 8 FIG. The functionality of the control processorinfor the aggregation layer switchinis provided by the CPUinand, and as described in the specification above.

107 807 418 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 4 FIG. The functionality of the control processorinfor the core layer switchinis provided by the control processorin, and as described in the specification above.

108 801 417 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 4 FIG. The functionality of the user input/output deviceinfor the serversinis provided by the user I/O devicein, and as described in the specification above.

108 803 417 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 4 FIG. The functionality of the user input/output deviceinfor the access layer switchinis provided by the user I/O devicein, and as described in the specification above.

108 805 417 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 4 FIG. The functionality of the user input/output deviceinfor the aggregation layer switchinis provided by the user I/O devicein, and as described in the specification above.

108 807 417 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 4 FIG. The functionality of the user input/output deviceinfor the core layer switchinis provided by the user I/O devicein, and as described in the specification above.

109 801 606 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 6 FIG. The functionality of the power supplyinfor the serversinis provided by the power supplyin, and as described in the specification above.

109 803 719 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 8 FIG. The functionality of the power supplyinfor the access layer switchinis provided by the power supplyin, and as described in the specification above.

109 805 708 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 7 FIG. 8 FIG. The functionality of the power supplyinfor the aggregation layer switchinis provided by the power supplyinand, and as described in the specification above.

109 807 420 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 4 FIG. The functionality of the power supplyinfor the core layer switchinis provided by the power supplyin, and as described in the specification above.

110 801 609 610 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 6 FIG. The functionality of the cooling and ventilationinfor the serversinis provided by the server housingand server cooling finsin, and as described in the specification above.

110 803 722 723 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 8 FIG. The functionality of the cooling and ventilationinfor the access layer switchinis provided by the access layer switch housingand cooling finsin, and as described in the specification above.

110 805 710 711 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 7 FIG. 8 FIG. The functionality of the cooling and ventilationinfor the aggregation layer switchinis provided by the node housingand cooling finsinand, and as described in the specification above.

110 807 422 1 FIG. 9 FIG. 4 FIG. The functionality of the cooling and ventilationinfor the core layer switchinis provided by the cooling and ventilationin, and as described in the specification above.

10 FIG. 9 FIG. 10 FIG. 900 400 805 801 802 803 804 805 801 802 803 804 805 900 is a block diagram of an alternative CATV network, according to another embodiment, for use as a distributed data center, with functional equivalent locations detailed. It can facilitate smaller distributed data centers by removing and/or relocating the core layer switchfunctionality that was illustrated in. As such, the functionality of the servers, connectivity, access layer switches, connectivity, aggregation layer switchesand all the other relevant and related components to the servers, connectivity, access layer switches, connectivityand aggregation layer switchesdescribed in the specification above, are summarized below, as they relate to the CATV networkin

801 517 517 10 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. The functional location of serversinwas detailed as serversinand serversin, and as described in the specification above.

802 515 10 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. The functional location of connectivityinwas detailed as fiber optic cablesinand, and as described in the specification above.

803 513 10 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. The functional location of access layer switchinwas detailed as access layer switchinand, and as described in the specification above.

804 403 10 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. The functional location of connectivityinwas detailed as fiber optic cablesinand, and as described in the specification above.

805 424 424 10 FIG. 4 FIG. The functional location of aggregation layer switchinwas detailed as aggregation layer switchin, and as described as an aggregation layer switchin the specification above, in this embodiment.

808 422 423 10 FIG. 4 FIG. The functional location of connectivityinwas detailed as fiber optic cablesor fiber optic cablesin, and as described in the specification above.

807 900 10 FIG. 9 FIG. The functional location of core layer switchinwas removed and/or relocated, to allow for smaller distributed data centers in alternative CATV network. The core layer switch could optionally be relocated remotely upstream (i.e., above the aggregation layer switches, not shown), to retain the same or similar functionality described in.

105 808 422 423 10 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. The connectivity to the Internetand/or to another WAN network (not shown) inas connectivityvia to fiber optic cablesinand/or via fiber optic cablesin, and as described in the specification above.

105 411 10 FIG. 4 FIG. The functionality of the Internetin, is provided by the Internetin, and as described in the specification above.

106 801 608 1 FIG. 10 FIG. 6 FIG. The functionality of the data storage deviceinfor the serversinis provided by the data storage devicein, and as described in the specification above.

106 803 518 1 FIG. 10 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. The functionality of the data storage deviceinfor the access layer switchinis provided by the data storage deviceinand, and as described in the specification above.

106 805 419 1 FIG. 10 FIG. 4 FIG. The functionality of the data storage deviceinfor the aggregation layer switchinis provided by the data storage devicein, and as described in the specification above.

107 801 602 1 FIG. 10 FIG. 6 FIG. The functionality of the control processorinfor the serversinis provided by the CPUin, and as described in the specification above.

107 803 522 1 FIG. 10 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. The functionality of the control processorinfor the access layer switchinis provided by the CPUinand, and as described in the specification above.

107 805 418 1 FIG. 10 FIG. 4 FIG. The functionality of the control processorinfor the aggregation layer switchinis provided by the control processorin, and as described in the specification above.

108 801 417 1 FIG. 10 FIG. 4 FIG. The functionality of the user input/output deviceinfor the serversinis provided by the user I/O devicein, and as described in the specification above.

108 803 417 1 FIG. 10 FIG. 4 FIG. The functionality of the user input/output deviceinfor the access layer switchinis provided by the user I/O devicein, and as described in the specification above.

108 805 417 1 FIG. 10 FIG. 4 FIG. The functionality of the user input/output deviceinfor the aggregation layer switchinis provided by the user I/O devicein, and as described in the specification above.

109 801 606 1 FIG. 10 FIG. 6 FIG. The functionality of the power supplyinfor the serversinis provided by the power supplyin, and as described in the specification above.

109 803 506 1 FIG. 10 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. The functionality of the power supplyinfor the access layer switchinis provided by the power supplyin, and, and as described in the specification above.

109 805 420 1 FIG. 10 FIG. 4 FIG. The functionality of the power supplyinfor the aggregation layer switchinis provided by the power supplyin, and as described in the specification above.

110 801 609 610 1 FIG. 10 FIG. 6 FIG. The functionality of the cooling and ventilationinfor the serversinis provided by the server housingand server cooling finsin, and as described in the specification above.

110 803 520 519 1 FIG. 10 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. The functionality of the cooling and ventilationinfor the access layer switchinis provided by the node housingand cooling finsinand, and as described in the specification above.

110 805 422 1 FIG. 10 FIG. 4 FIG. The functionality of the cooling and ventilationinfor the aggregation layer switchinis provided by the cooling and ventilationin, and as described in the specification above.

11 FIG. 11 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. 7 FIG. 8 FIG. 1000 1000 1101 1100 1100 710 500 700 1100 402 710 510 710 1101 details another embodiment for a distributed power system. The distributed power systemuse power extenders(PEs) located throughout the CATV node system, to provide for more cost effective, supplemental powering of the active components on a CATV node system, such as RF amps, WiFi access points (not shown), etc. Similar to CATV node systemsand CATV node systems, there are more than one CATV node systemsconnected to the CATV headend.also includes RF Amps, which provide similar functionality to RF Ampsin,,and, although RF Ampscould additionally include the power extenderinternally, not shown, but described in more detail later.

1101 1100 1101 1100 1100 1101 1100 1100 1101 1100 There are one or more power extenders(PEs) located on any given CATV node system. The power extendersare charged from the power on the CATV node system, primarily, although not exclusively, during off-peak electric utility rate periods, when the electricity rates are lower than during peak electric utility rate periods. Peak and off-peak electric utility rate periods and the price per kilowatt hour for those peak and off-peak electric utility rate periods are established by the local electrical utility provider servicing the CATV node system. One (and only one) such example of a peak electric rate period might be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, local time and one (and only one) such example of an off-peak electric utility rate period might be from 8:00 PM to 4:00, local time. The power extendersare discharged and provide power to the CATV node system, primarily, although not exclusively, during peak electric utility rate periods, when the electricity rates are higher than during off-peak electric utility rate periods to provide supplemental power to the CATV node system. Power extenderscould also be charged during on-peak electric utility rate periods, as may be required for supplemental power demand, malfunction or maintenance of any active components, expected power outages, etc. on the CATV node system.

11 FIG. 11 FIG. 11 FIG. 11 FIG. 1104 1100 201 1101 1100 1104 201 201 1104 1100 507 1100 1104 201 201 1100 317 1105 1104 317 1100 1100 1106 507 1100 710 1104 1105 1100 1104 1105 1100 1100 Also indicated inis power supply, for powering the active devices on a CATV node system, which include the CATV nodeitself, as well as the various amplifiers, power extenders, WiFi access points, (not shown) etc., present in the CATV node system. While power supplyis shown external to the CATV node, it could also internal to the CATV node, in whole or in part. This power supplyinjects power (AC or otherwise) from the power grid of the local electric utility provider (not shown), and inserts that power to the CATV node system, typically, although not exclusively, as 60 Hz AC power from 60 VAC to 90 VAC (volts AC). This power is typically transported on the center conductor of the coaxial cablesto or through all the components in the CATV node system. The power supplyon the left ofinjects the power directly into the CATV node, where the power, in addition to powering CATV node, is in turn fed to other components in the CATV node systemvia the center conductor of the coaxial cables at node output. The power supplyon the right side ofcould be similar or different to power supplyon the left in, or it could instead be power provided from another node outputof the CATV node systemthat has excess power. In either case, the power is generally inserted into the CATV node systemthrough a power inserteras indicated, which inserts the power onto the center conductor of coaxial cableof the CATV node system. Alternatively, power could also be fed directly to one or more RF ampsfrom a similar or different power supplyor power supplyon the CATV node system. Any power supplyor power supplyon the CATV node systemcould also include a redundant (back-up) power supply to improve the reliability of the power on the CATV node system, not shown.

317 312 201 312 201 11 FIG. The CATV RF signals are two-way CATV signals, consisting of both downstream signals and upstream signals as described previously, are also present at node outputsin. The downstream RF channels are generally (although not exclusively) from 108 Mhz to 1.8 Ghz and consist of the CATV signals going to the homes(and/or businesses, not shown) served by the CATV node. The upstream RF channels are generally (although not exclusively) from 5 Mhz to 85 Mhz and consists of the CATV signals coming from the home or businessto the CATV node.

507 1100 507 312 311 312 11 FIG. Accordingly, the coaxial cablesintransport both the CATV RF signals and the power signal in the CATV node system, with one exception. That exception is the coaxial cablesconnecting the homes (or businesses)to the taps, which generally only transport the CATV RF signals to the homes (or businesses).

710 1101 1100 1100 311 311 1100 312 1100 1101 1105 1106 507 1100 11 FIG. 11 FIG. In addition to powering the active devices such as RF amps, power extenders, WiFi access points, not shown, etc. on the CATV node system, the power must pass through passive (non-powered) devices on the CATV node system, such as the tapsas indicated on. These tapsinallow for both the power and CATV RF signals to be passed through them for other devices in the CATV node system(with the exception noted above to homes (or businesses)). When the budgeted power for the specified active components on the CATV node systemhas been consumed, an additional power extenderand/or power supplyand/or power insertermust be added in that section of the coaxial cableof the CATV node systemrequiring power.

311 312 312 507 311 312 710 511 311 710 312 710 11 FIG. The tapsinare in turn connected to homes(and/or businesses, not shown) which split off a portion of the two-way CATV RF signals and presents those two-way CATV signals to homesvia coaxial cables. Each tapservices typically between 1 and N homeswhere N is generally between 1 and 8, and from any given RF amp, there would be a number of M taps, where M is typically between 4-6 tapstypically until the next RF ampor last homeserved by the RF amp.

1101 1102 1 710 1102 1100 1102 2 1101 1102 1100 1102 1100 1102 1102 1100 1101 1102 317 201 1101 1102 317 201 11 FIG. 11 FIG. 11 FIG. 11 FIG. 11 FIG. The power extenders(PEs) are located every Y feet apart (ie, the length of segment#in), and provide supplemental powering to the active device such as RF amps, WiFi access points (not shown), etc. within that particular segmentin the CATV RF node system, primarily although not exclusively, during peak power electric utility rate periods. The length of segment#inextends to the bottom right in, until the next power extender, not shown. The length of each segmentin any given CATV node systemcan be the same or different than other segmentsin any given CATV node system. Although there are two such segmentsnoted in, there could be more or less than two segmentsin any given CATV node system, and these power extenders(PEs) and segmentscan be connected to one of more node outputsfrom CATV node. The number of power extenders(PEs) and segmentsconnected to each node outputsfrom CATV nodeincould be the same or different.

1101 1100 1101 710 201 1104 1105 1105 1100 1101 1100 Factors effecting the number of power extenderson any given CATV node systeminclude the number of active (ie, power consuming) devices on the CATV node system, such as RF Amps, CATV nodes, WiFi access points (not shown), etc., the frequency of power outages, back-up power redundancy requirements, the number and locations of each power supply, power supplyor power inserter, maintenance schedules and the duration and the pricing of off-peak and on-peak electric utility rates etc. on CATV node system. Power extenderscan be added, removed, or relocated over time as may be required on CATV node system, and can vary individually in power capacity (amp-hours).

201 202 203 201 202 200 201 1100 201 200 1101 1102 317 201 2 FIG. 2 FIG. CATV nodeis connected to CATV headendvia fiber optic cablesas described previously and as illustrated in. As also illustrated inand described previously, there are more than one CATV nodeconnected to the CATV headend, as part of the CATV network. Each one or more of these CATV nodesare part of a separate CATV node systemas described above. Each one or more of these CATV nodesthat are part CATV networkcan have the same or different number of power extenders(PEs) and segments, and they can be connected to one or more node outputsconnected to these CATV nodes.

11 FIG. 11 FIG. 16 FIG. 1103 1101 200 1103 202 1103 202 1103 also includes power extender (PE) master controllerthat controls and coordinates each of the above power extenderthat are contained within CATV network. The power extender master controllercan be connected to CATV headendas indicated in, or the power extender master controllercan be internally part of CATV headend, not indicated. Master controllerwill be described more fully inbelow.

12 FIG. 11 FIG. 1200 1101 1000 provides a block diagramof the power extender, and the main components within, used in the distributed power systemdescribed in.

1101 1201 1202 1101 1201 1202 1101 1101 The power extenderare housed in a housing, metallic or otherwise which provides for internal access via hinges, end caps, etc. (not shown) which may be threaded, hinged or otherwise, (not shown) etc. and could also include cooling finsas indicated, also made out of metal or otherwise, for dissipating any internal heat generated within power extender. While housingand cooling finsdissipate any heat generated internally by the components of the power extender, additional cooling methods (not shown) may need to be included in and/or outside power extender, to provide such additional cooling. These methods could include heat pipes, heat sinks, liquid or gas circulation systems, etc. to provide such additional cooling.

1101 1201 1201 1201 Physical security is provided too such as locking devices, tamperproof screws/bolts, etc. (not-shown) to prevent unauthorized access, tampering, hacking and/or stealing of components within power extender. The housingwould also likely have RF (Radio Frequency) and/or moisture seal(s), not shown, to prevent RF from entering (ingress) or exiting (egress) the housingand to prevent moisture from entering the housing.

1201 1203 1204 1101 Housingcould also include one or more pressure valvesas so indicated to release internal pressure at a TBD PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) level if needed due to a batterymalfunction or otherwise, within the power extender.

1201 1202 1101 1101 Housingwith the cooling finscould be optionally designed such they rotate around the center axis of the power extenderto provide the motion to generate electricity within the power extenderduring windy periods (not shown).

1101 507 1100 1205 1101 1206 507 1100 1101 507 1101 507 507 1204 1101 12 FIG. 13 FIG. Power extendersalso include the ability to block or pass through the existing power signal on the center conductor of the coaxial cableon the CATV node systemas determined by the PE controllerwithin the power extender. This functionality is contained within the AC switchwithin, detailed later in. In all cases, the CATV RF signal on the center conductor of the input coaxial cableon the CATV node systemis passed through the power extenderto and from the output coaxial cable. The CATV RF and power signals (low frequency AC or DC) enter and exit the power extendervia the input coaxial cableand output coaxial cablerespectively. The power signal will charge the one or more batter(ies)within the power extendersduring off-peak electric utility rate periods, primarily.

1207 507 1204 1204 1207 1401 1207 1207 1204 1402 1207 1403 1205 1207 1204 12 FIG. 14 FIG. 14 FIG. 14 FIG. The charge controllerinis also connected to the input coaxial cableand directs the power signals but not the CATV RF signals, to one or more batter(ies)for charging the batter(ies). The CATV RF signals are blocked from entering the charge controllerby means of a low pass filter(shown later in) in or in front of the charge controller. The charge controllerdetermines when the batter(ies)are to be charged, such that they are primarily charged during off-peak electric utility rate periods. This is done via AC switchwithin the charge controllerunder control from the charge control processor(See) and/or the PE controller. The charge controllercan also include a rectifier type circuit, to first convert the AC signal power to DC before being sent to the batter(ies), described in more detail in.

1207 1204 1204 1207 507 1204 1204 1204 1204 1204 1204 1204 1403 The charge controlleralso regulates the duration of the charging of the batter(ies)so that the batter(ies)are not under or over charged. One such way the charge controllercan do so is by monitoring the voltages of both the power signal on the input coaxial cableand the DC voltages on the batter(ies)and controlling the current supplied to the batter(ies)for charging the batter(ies). Typically (although not exclusively) the current supplied to the batteriesfor charging might initially be higher at the start of charging of the batter(ies)and then be reduced near the end of charging of the batter(ies), once the voltage of the batter(ies)reaches a desired voltage level, as defined by the charge control processor.

1204 1205 1101 1101 1100 200 1100 1101 1100 1100 1100 1103 1101 200 1207 1204 12 FIG. 16 FIG. The above charging process of batter(ies)could also be affected by the PE controllerinas a result of the need and/or timing for more or less power required from the power extender. This could be the result of real time or historical data from the power extender, the CATV RF nodeand/or CATV system, regarding the power capacity available from the CATV RF node(including, but not limited to, the power extenders), versus the power capacity needed by the CATV RF node. This data and the power capacity needed by the CATV RF nodecan be based on a variety of data, including current, future or historical data, etc. of power consumption by the CATV node, predicted electric utility system power outages from storms, scheduled or unscheduled maintenance, electric utility system brownouts, etc. provided by AI or otherwise. The power extender (PE) master controllerwill also be involved in determining the need and/or timing for more or less power required from each power extenderin the CATV system, to be detailed later in. As such, the charge controllercan support multiple modes of charging of the batter(ies), such as rapid charging, normal charging and trickle charging, etc. depending on the above power requirements.

1204 1101 1100 1204 1101 1204 1205 1206 1100 1204 1204 1206 1205 1204 1205 1103 1204 The batter(ies)within the power extenderare lithium or otherwise, to efficiently store the maximum energy that is provided to them during off-peak (or potentially on-peak) charging hours. They can be connected in a variety of single, series and/or parallel configurations to provide the required voltage and current levels (ie, power) for the CATV node system. The batter(ies)can be replaceable as a result of failure or scheduled maintenance, or the need for more or less power within the power extender. Upon replacement, repair, troubleshooting or failure of the batter(ies), the PE controlleris programmed to set the AC switchto the closed position, to ensure that power is maintained to the CATV node system, regardless of whether such batter(ies)replacement, repair, troubleshooting or failure occurs during an on-peak or off-peak utility rate period. Once the batter(ies)have been replaced, the AC switchis restored to the correct open or closed state by the PE controller, as determined by the off-peak or on-peak cycle present at that specific time when the batter(ies)have been replaced and/or other considerations as defined by the PE controlleror the power extender (PE) master controller, such as the charge level of the replaced batter(ies), etc.

1204 507 1101 1100 1102 1101 1208 1204 507 1208 507 1101 507 1102 1101 1208 1208 507 1208 1207 15 FIG. 15 FIG. Since batter(ies)typically store their energy as a DC (Direct Current) voltage, this DC voltage typically needs to be first converted to the same or similar low frequency AC voltage present on the input coaxial cableat the power extenderto be used to power active components on the CATV node systemdownstream (i.e., to the segmentto the right of the power extender's). This conversion process is provided by the inverterdetailed inbetween the batter(ies)and the output coaxial cable. The invertercould potentially adjust the frequency, phase and amplitude of this converted low frequency AC power signal, to match the low frequency AC voltage amplitude, frequency and phase present on the input coaxial cableat the power extender. Once inverted, the generated low frequency AC power signal is then outputted to the output coaxial cable, for consumption by the active components on the segmentdownstream (to the right) of the power extender. This output of the inverteris also first connected to a low pass filter internal to or external to the inverteroutput (not shown), to prevent any RF signals present on the output coaxial cablefrom entering the inverter, similar to the input of the charge controlleras mentioned previously. More on this in.

1205 1101 1207 1101 1205 1101 1209 1205 1210 1205 1103 12 FIG. 12 FIG. 11 FIG. The PE controllermentioned previously inof the power extender, in addition to interfacing to the charge controllerand affecting the charge controlling process, provides additional functionality within the power extender. The PE controlleras indicated in the power extenderofis also connected to status monitoringfunctionality. Additionally, the PE controlleris connected to the memoryfor storage of any programming or data that may be relevant to the PE Controllerand/or the PE master controllerin.

1209 1101 1204 1100 1102 1101 1209 1101 1209 1204 1204 1101 1209 1101 Status monitoringprovides for the status and control of the power extenderat any given instant (and/or prediction based upon historical or other data) in terms of the amount of energy stored and the rate that it is being stored in the batter(ies)as well as the amount and rate of energy being consumed by the CATV node systemand each segmentbetween each power extender. Status monitoringcan also detect and record additional information, including the internal and external temperatures present inside and outside the power extendervia temperature sensors at various such locations (not shown). By way of just one such example, status monitoringcould monitor the temperature present on the batter(ies)and reduce the charging to or disconnect the batter(ies)and/or the entire power extenderif a temperature exceeding a TBD limit is detected. Similarly, status monitoringcould detect the pressure within the power extender(not shown).

1209 1100 507 1209 1101 Status monitoringcan also detect system outages, degradations, or disturbances on the CATV node systemby the lack of RF and/or low frequency AC or DC signals present on the Input or output coaxial cables. Additionally, status monitoringcould monitor and detect the well-being of any of the other components in or around the power extenderin terms of the voltage, current, moisture, etc. or even connectivity of those other components.

1101 1101 1100 1209 1101 1210 Because each power extenderhas a unique address (IP, physical, MAC or otherwise, not shown), the above status information is unique, traceable, and controllable to the specific locations of each individual power extenderon the CATV node system. Storage of information relevant to the status monitoringand the power extendercan also be stored in the memory.

1209 1209 1101 1103 202 1101 1103 1101 Several types of status monitoringcould be used, depending on a variety of industry standards. Some such standards include SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), TR69, HMS (Hybrid Management Sublayer) and/or DOCSIS Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) and others, generally as specified by SCTE (Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers) standards. Status monitoringprovides one or two-way communications from each power extenderto a centralized controller (PE master controller, or otherwise) at or connected to the CATV headendor otherwise, using in band or out of band communications via a transponder (not shown). Since the above information communicated from each power extenderto the centralized PE master controlleris unique to each power extendervia its unique address, the above data can be monitored in real time and historical records maintained for troubleshooting, usage, costing, performance improvements, and predictions or otherwise using AI or other means.

1101 1103 1101 1103 Communications between each power extenderand the PE master controllercan be encrypted, to thwart any unauthorized access to the data or control of the power extenderand PE master controller. A wide variety of industry standard encryption techniques are available for the encryption.

1209 1101 1101 1101 1210 1205 1101 1103 202 12 FIG. Status monitoringcan also provide the means and methods for firmware downloads and/or updates to the power extender, to either correct bugs in the power extenderfirmware or add or remove functionality within the power extender. The firmware is generally although not exclusively stored within the memoryillustrated inand provides the programming for how the PE controlleroperates the power extender. This firmware can be updated from the centralized PE master controllerat or connected to, the CATV headendor otherwise as described above or otherwise on an as required basis or automatically whenever the existing firmware revision is out of date.

1209 202 1101 1101 1206 1101 1101 1100 1101 1100 1103 202 1101 1209 1212 1213 1214 1215 1210 1101 1212 1213 1214 1215 1101 1101 12 FIG. 12 FIG. Additionally, the status monitoringor the CATV headendcan provide a precise “time of day” reference for the power extender, to synchronize many functions within the power extender, specifically although not exclusively, including the AC switch, when the off-peak electric utility power rates go in and out of effect for a more cost-effective charging of the power extender. This timing reference allows all the power extenderon a CATV node systemto coordinate in unison to maximize the savings from off-peak charging of all the power extenderand to minimize any disruptions on the CATV node system. This timing synchronous reference can originate from the PE master controllerat or connected to the CATV headendand communicated to the power extendervia status monitoring. Alternatively, this timing reference could be received and/or updated by the WiFi optionor GPS optionshown in, via their antennaand antenna, respectively, which either could also provide timing reference signals. Once received, the timing reference is stored and/or updated within the memoryof the power extender. WiFi optionor GPS optionshown in, and their antennaand antenna, respectively, could be internal to the power extender, external to power extenderin whole or in part.

1210 1101 1204 1101 1210 The memoryin the power extenderis generally non-volatile, meaning all the contents are preserved even in the case of a power failure. This could be facilitated by battery back-up from the batter(ies)within the power extenderor a separate battery for the memory(not shown) or by other conventional non-volatile storage techniques.

1101 1216 1101 1204 1216 1205 12 FIG. 12 FIG. The power extendercould be additionally charged by supplemental charge optionas indicated inor solely by other means including photovoltaics thermal gradient generation (TEGs or thermoelectric gradient), or wind (none shown) in, on or around the power extender. The charging of the batter(ies)from these supplemental charge optionis fed and controlled by the PE controlleras indicated in.

1217 1101 1101 1101 1217 1101 1102 1101 1217 1101 1217 1101 1101 1217 1101 1101 1207 1204 1217 1100 1217 1207 12 FIG. The utility feed optioncould also be used to optionally or solely power the power extender, which provides for connectivity with the electric utility power grid, local to the power extender. One or more power extendercould be charged by the utility feed option, including the power extenderillustrated inand those segmentdownstream (ie, to the right) of the power extenderwhich may not (or may also) have the utility feed optionpresent in that particular power extender. The utility feed optioncould also be added after the initial installation of the power extender(s), in case additional and/or more specific localized power is needed to charge the power extender(s). The utility feed optioncould be internal to the power extenderas shown, or external to the power extender(not shown) and interfaces to the charge controllerto provide supplemental charging of the batter(ies). The utility feed optionis connected to the local electric utility provider grid, and connects typically at 110 VAC, and converts that electric utility signal to the low frequency AC (or DC) power signal used on the CATV node system. The utility feed optioncould also be comprised of a more simplified power inserter (not shown) which inserts the low frequency AC (or DC) power signals directly to the charge controller, without the need to first convert the utility voltage signal to the CATV system low frequency AC (or DC) power signal.

1101 710 1102 1100 1101 1101 1103 202 16 FIG. The power extenderonce charged (fully or partially) provides the power to the existing active (power consuming) devices such as the RF Amps, WiFi access points (not shown), etc. on that particular segmentof the CATV node systemcontaining that power extender, primarily although not exclusively during on-peak hours. Coordination of the above timing and control of all power extenderis facilitated in conjunction with the PE master controllerlocated at or connected to, the CATV headend, as later described in.

1212 1209 1212 1209 1100 1101 1209 12 FIG. The WiFi optionincan be both supplemental or alternative to the status monitoringfunctionality described previously. This WiFi optioncould be enabled if the above described status monitoringsignal is disrupted for any reason, including a CATV node systemoutage or maintenance, etc. If conventional Internet access is available via hardwired Ethernet to the power inserter(not shown) then this Ethernet could also serve as supplemental or alternative status monitoring.

1212 1100 1212 1101 1212 1101 1212 1101 1101 1100 1103 The WiFi optioncould also operate as a conventional WiFi access point on the CATV node system, providing WiFi coverage within the prescribed range of the WiFi option. This WiFi coverage could operate independent of the WiFi coverage of other power extenderwith a WiFi option, or the WiFi coverage of all the power extenderwith the WiFi optioncould be linked and coordinated with the other power extenderor even other non-power inserterbased WiFi access points for more seamless and contiguous WiFi coverage. This coordinated mesh WiFi functionality would be provided by a centralized controller somewhere within the CATV node system(at the PE master controlleror otherwise).

12 FIG. 1211 1101 1211 1102 1100 1101 1101 1211 1101 Lastly,includes power supply, which supplies power to all the necessary active components within the power inserter. The power supplyis generally fed from the low frequency AC (or DC) power signal used on that segmentof the CATV node systemto the left of the power extenderand then converts that signal to useable DC or AC signals for the active components within the power extender, such as 5 or 12 volts DC, as just a few common voltages used. Although individual connections from the power supplyto each of the active components within the power extenderare not indicated they are implied, for graphically convenience.

1101 507 1101 507 1102 1101 507 507 1204 1101 12 FIG. 12 FIG. It should be noted that even though the power extenderinhas only one output coaxial cableillustrated, the power extendercould be provided with more than one output coaxial cableto service additional segmentfrom that power extender. In this case the architecture ofwould similar as described above, except by including additional output coaxial cableoutputs connecting those extra outputs internally or externally to the existing output coaxial cable(not shown). In this case, more batter(ies)might also need to be added to the power extenderto provide additional capacity.

13 FIG. 1300 1206 1100 507 507 1301 1205 1301 1101 1101 1204 1301 1102 1101 1204 is a block diagram, highlighting the functionality within the AC switch, which controls flow of the low frequency AC (or DC) power signal used on the CATV node systemfrom the input coaxial cableto the output coaxial cable. This flow is specifically controlled by the switchas indicated, under control from open or closed signal commands to/from the PE controller. Generally (although not exclusively) this switch will remain closed during off-peak electric utility rate periods and open during on-peak electric utility rate periods. When the switchis closed, this allows all the other power extenderdownstream (ie, to the right) of this particular power extenderto charge their batter(ies). When the switchis open, none of the other segmentsdownstream (ie, to the right) of this particular power extendercan charge their batter(ies).

1301 1205 1301 1100 507 507 1100 1205 1101 13 FIG. It should be noted that this switchinis of the normally closed type, meaning that in the absence of a control signal from the PE controllerin the PE, the switchwill remain closed such that the power signal used on the CATV node systemwill still flow from the input coaxial cableto the output coaxial cable. This keeps the CATV node systemfunctioning in case there is maintenance or a malfunction within the PE controlleror otherwise within the power extender.

1302 1100 1301 1100 1302 1302 13 FIG. The 2 chokesas indicated infunction as low pass filters, allowing the (low frequency AC or DC) power signal used on the CATV node systemto be passed and therefore controlled by the switchbut not the RF signals on the CATV node systemdescribed previously, which are blocked by the chokes. Other configurations of low pass filters could be used rather than the simple chokedesign as indicated.

507 507 1303 1303 1100 1101 13 FIG. The RF signals are allowed to flow from the input coaxial cableto the output coaxial cablecontinuously through the capacitoras noted in, which functions as a high pass filter, which passes the RF signals but blocks the (low frequency AC or DC) power signal. Other configurations of high pass filters could be used rather than the simple capacitordesign as indicated. This maintains the RF signal on the CATV node system, regardless of any charging or discharging state of the power extender.

14 FIG. 1400 1207 1204 1207 507 1207 1217 1207 includes a block diagram, which highlights in more detail the charge controllerdescribed earlier, with the primary functions to control the timing, rate and conditioning of the (low frequency AC or DC) power signal charging the batter(ies). The input signals feeding the charge controllerinclude the (low frequency AC or DC) power signal and RF signals from the input coaxial cable. Optionally, the charge controllercould also be fed by the utility feed optiondescribed earlier for supplemental (low frequency AC or DC) power signal into the charge controller.

507 1401 1402 1402 1205 1403 1204 1402 1204 1402 1402 1205 1101 1101 1101 1402 1205 1402 1101 14 FIG. The RF signals on the input coaxial cableare blocked by the low pass filteras indicated, which allow the (low frequency AC or DC) power signal to be inputted to the AC switch, but not the RF signals. The AC switchis controlled by the PE controllervia the charge control processorwhich controls the timing of the charging of the batter(ies), primarily during off-peak utility rate periods, by energizing the AC switchto the closed position, allowing the batter(ies)to charge. During on-peak utility rate periods, the AC switchinas directed by the charge process controllerand/or PE controlleris generally set to the open position. This also prevents the power extenderupstream (to the left) of this power extenderfrom charging this power extender. The AC switchis a normally open switch in case there is maintenance or a malfunction within the PE controller, the charge process controlleror otherwise within the power extender.

1402 1404 1403 1404 1401 507 1402 507 1402 1404 1403 1402 The output of the AC switchis fed to voltage sensor, which detects the characteristics of the (low frequency AC or DC) power signal present. These characteristics include the level, frequency, phase and even the presence of the power signal present and are communicated to the charge control processor. Voltage sensorcan also include a connection to the low pass filteras indicated, so as to be able to measure the same above signal characteristics present on the input coaxial cablein the event the AC switchis in the open position. By measuring the voltage present on both the input coaxial cableand the output of the AC switch, voltage sensorcan communicate to the charge control processorwhether the AC switchis in the open or closed position.

507 1403 1205 1402 1204 1101 1403 1205 1402 1204 As determined from the above signal characteristics, in the event of power degradation, outage or surge of the power on the input coaxial cableand as directed by the charge control processorand/or PE controller, AC switchwill open to prevent charging of or damage to the batter(ies)or other components within the power extender. Once this power outage or degradation is no longer present, the charge process controllerand/or PE controller, will close AC switchto allow the batter(ies)to charge again, if it is also generally an off-peak electric utility rate period.

1403 1405 1204 507 1204 1403 1406 1204 1204 1204 1406 1204 This signal characteristic information is transferred to the charge control processor, which is also connected to voltage sensorwhich monitors the voltage level of the batter(ies). Knowing the signal characteristics of the (low frequency AC or DC) power signal present on the input coaxial cableand the voltage present at the batter(ies), allows the charge control processorto control the signal regulatorto regulate the charging process of the batter(ies). As mentioned previously, one such way to regulate the charging process of the batter(ies)is to control the current into the batter(ies)during the charging process. The signal regulatormight also need to first rectify (ie, convert the low frequency AC signal to a DC signal) and/or change the level or other characteristics of the charging signal to facilitate the batter(ies)charging process.

1403 1205 1101 1100 1103 1103 1402 1301 1100 11 FIG. The charge control processoris connected to the PE controlleras indicated to coordinate the primarily off-peak utility rate charging of all the power extenderon the CATV node system, autonomously and/or in conjunction with the PE master controllerin. The PE master controllercould direct one or more AC switchesorto open or close during troubleshooting, maintenance, etc. on the CATV node system.

15 FIG. 1500 1208 1101 1208 1204 1501 1501 1502 1204 1503 1501 1204 1208 provides block diagram, which details the inverterin the power extender. The inverteris fed from the batter(ies)which are in turn connected to the switch. Switch, under the control from the inverter processordetermines the precise time to supply the batter(ies)voltage to the DC-AC converter. This switchis of the normally open type, so that the batter(ies)are not accidentally or continuously discharged in case of a malfunction within the inverteror otherwise.

1502 1503 1204 1102 1100 1101 1102 1208 1205 1207 507 1205 1207 1503 1208 1208 507 3 FIG. When directed from the inverter processor, the DC-AC converterconverts the voltage present from the batter(ies)to the appropriate low frequency AC signal that will power that segmentof the CATV node systemthat is downstream (to the right) of the power extenderand all the active devices within that downstream segment. As mentioned in, the inverteris also connected to the PE controllerand the charge controller, which monitors the input power signal on the input coaxial cable. The PE's controlleruses this input power signal information from the charge controllerto allow the DC-AC converterin the inverterto match this input power signal information to the power signal output from the inverter, onto output coaxial cable.

1504 1503 507 1501 1504 1208 Optionally, switchcan be included to ensure that any residual power signal on the output of the DC-AC converteris not presented onto the output coaxial cablewhen switchis also open. Likewise, the optional switchis of the normally open type in case of a malfunction within the inverteror otherwise.

1503 1505 507 1208 507 1208 The output of the DC-AC converteris then passed through a low pass filtersuch that only the power signal is presented to the output coaxial cablefrom the inverter, and also blocks the RF signals present on the output coaxial cablefrom entering back into the inverter.

1206 1501 1504 1205 1100 1101 1100 1204 1205 1206 1208 1501 1504 1208 1101 1100 1100 1205 1206 1501 1504 1208 12 FIG. 15 FIG. 13 FIG. 12 FIG. The AC switchinand switch(and optional switch) inare coordinated by the PE controller, to ensure that power is always maintained on the CATV node system, regardless of the on-peak or off-peak electric utility rate schedules. As such, by one example, if the power extenderis about to enter an on-peak electric utility rate period when CATV node systempower would normally be provided from the batter(ies), the PE controllerwould keep the AC switchinengaged (closed), until the power being provided from the output of the inverteris present, i.e. switch(and optionally switch) in the inverterare first engaged (closed). Likewise, if the power extenderis about to enter an off-peak electric utility rate period when CATV node systempower would normally be provided from the existing CATV node systempower, the PE controllerwould first ensure that the AC switchinis engaged (closed) before switch(and optionally switch) in the inverterare disengaged (open).

1501 1504 1502 1205 1100 15 FIG. Additionally, in the event of a power outage, brownout, surge or interruptions, the switch(and optionally switch) incould be instructed by the inverter processorand/or PE controllerto remain closed to provide back-up power to the CATV node systemuntil the above power outage, brownout, surge, or interruption is corrected, regardless of whether it is an off-peak or on-peak utility rate period.

16 FIG. 1600 1103 1601 1602 1204 1101 1601 1101 1603 1101 1103 1100 highlights a block diagram, of the components within the PE master controller. These components include the PE master processor, which is directed by user and/or automated inputs/outputsthat control the processes of the proposed invention. These processes include many things, including the specific timing and duration of both the charging and discharging of the batter(ies)within the power extender, as defined by electric utility off-peak and on-peak rate schedules, or as otherwise desired. The PE master processoralso collects data from and sends data to each power extendervia the status monitorincluding its transponder (not shown). This data includes performance, troubleshooting and outage data of each power extender, etc., for real time actions and/or historical analysis. Analysis of this data could include AI or otherwise, to allow the PE controllerto predict future system performance based on historical results, such as outages, heavy or light power demands, etc. on the CATV node system.

1101 1603 202 1604 1605 1103 1606 1212 12 FIG. This data can be transmitted to and received from each power extenderusing in-band or out of band RF status monitoring standards as described previously. If this is the case, then the status monitoris connected to the CATV headendas indicated. Alternatively, this data could be transmitted and received and/or supplemented by the WiFi access pointand WiFi processoras also indicated in the PE master controller, via antenna, to WiFi optionin.

1607 1103 1101 1100 1607 1607 1101 1100 1101 A time referenceis included in the PE master controllerto allow for the precise and coordinated timing of the charging and discharging of the power extenderson the CATV node system. This time referencecould be derived from a high precision clock atomic clock, cesium or otherwise or any other precision source, such as a GPS or WiFi signal, or otherwise. Once obtained, the time referenceis also communicated to each power extenderon the CATV node systemto ensure precise synchronization of all the charging and discharging of each power extender.

1209 1605 1212 1101 1100 In addition to helping to facilitate the above alternative WiFi based status monitoring, the WiFi processorcan also coordinate any and all optional WiFi optionsthat might be included in the power extenderto provide seamless residential and/or business WiFi coverage to the CATV node system.

1103 1608 1103 1101 1607 1608 1608 1210 1101 12 FIG. Contained within the PE master controlleralso is memorywhich holds the programming and control information for the PE master controller, as well as performance and control data transmitted to and received from the power extender. Time referenceis also stored within memory. Memoryis non-volatile similar to the memorywithin the power extenderin.

1103 1609 1609 1209 1101 1604 Lastly, the PE master controllerincludes data access to and from the Internetor other networks via Ethernet or otherwise for a wide variety of purposes, such as dynamic weather or electric utility rate information, off-site data analysis, control and/or predictions with AI or otherwise, etc. Additionally, the connection to the Internetcould also be used as a main or alternative connection for status monitoringof the power extender, well as providing Internet access to WiFi access point.

1100 1100 1102 1101 1102 1102 1100 1217 11 FIG. 11 FIG. While the above description for a distributed power system is specific to an RF CATV node system, the techniques could also be used in an all fiber optic CATV node system(not shown) to reduce the operating utility costs and outages of the active components of those systems. The segmentof such systems would be similar as in, with a power extenderfor each segment. For those segmentof an all fiber optic CATV node systemwhich do not also transport the (low frequency AC or DC) powering signal, then utility AC power could be implemented as described inby using the utility feed option, or by other means.

1700 1701 1702 1703 1704 1705 1702 1702 1706 1701 1101 1706 1701 1706 1100 1208 1101 1701 1204 1100 1204 1701 1702 17 FIG. Likewise, the techniques of the proposed invention can also be applied to residential or business electric utility systems to reduce the operating utility costs and outages to, the active components connected to those systems as well, in another embodiment of a distributed power system on an electric utility system. As detailed in the block diagramin, the power extenderwould be placed inside or near the home or businessright before the AC circuit breakerand all the active components of these systems would be anything plugged into the AC outletsin the AC circuitsin the home or business. The home or businesswould be connected to the electric utility systemas indicated. Power extenderwould be similar to power extender, but would not include provisions for CATV RF signals, which are not present on the electric utility grid system. Additionally, powering and charging for the power extenderwould be directly from the electric utility systemat their existing 110 VAC rather than the previously used 60-90 VAC power signal used on the CATV node systems. The inverterused previously in power extenderwould also be slightly different in power extender, to convert the voltage of the batter(ies)to 110 VAC, rather than the previously used 60-90 VAC power signal used on the CATV node systems. The batter(ies)within these power extendermight have to be of higher capacity, depending upon the powering demands of the home or businesses.

1802 1800 1801 1805 1803 1802 1806 1801 1101 1806 1801 1806 1100 1208 1101 1801 1204 1100 1204 1801 1204 1701 1802 1801 1805 1801 1802 1802 1805 1801 18 FIG. Another embodiment of the proposed invention for home or businessesis highlighted in the block diagramin, of a distributed power system on an electric utility system. In this implementation, there is a power extenderincluded for each AC circuitafter the AC circuit breakeras illustrated. The home or businesswould be connected to the electric utility systemas indicated. Power extenderwould be similar to power extender, but would not include provisions for CATV RF signals which are not present on the electric utility grid system. Additionally, powering and charging for the power extenderwould be directly from the electric utility systemat their existing 110 VAC rather than the previously used 60-90 VAC power signal used on the CATV node systems. The inverterused previously in power extenderwould also be slightly different in power extender, to convert the voltage of the batter(ies)to 110 VAC, rather than the previously used 60-90 VAC power signal used on the CATV node systems. The batter(ies)within these power extendermay be of lower capacity than the batter(ies)in power extender, depending upon the powering demands of the home or businesses. This would result in lower power capacity power extenderin some or all AC circuits, but more power extenderfor any given home or business. This implementation provides for more targeted power within the home or business, and could be partially implemented such that not all of the AC circuitsinclude a power extender(not shown).

1701 1801 1204 1705 1805 1701 1801 1705 1805 1702 1802 17 FIG. 18 FIG. Given the power extenderand power extendersinclude batter(ies), each of the AC circuitsor AC circuitsthat include a power extenderor power extenderin eitherorwould also inherently provide battery back-up for those AC circuitsor AC circuits, in the event of an AC power outage to that home or businessor home or business.

1209 1701 1801 1802 1702 1706 1806 1103 1701 1801 1205 1103 17 FIG. 18 FIG. 16 FIG. Status monitoringand control of each of the power extenderor power extenderinandabove, could be via WiFi, Ethernet or even in-band or out of band communications signals which may be available within home or businessesor home or businesses, or on the electric utility systemor electric utility system(not shown), to a centrally located controller similar to the PE master controllerin. This is facilitated from each power extenderor power extendervia their PE controllerto such similar PE master controller.

1101 In each of the above alternative implementations the same fundamental principles and savings apply, namely charging the power extenderduring off-peak utility rate periods and discharging them during on-peak utility rate periods, as well as reducing service interruptions. Likewise, the alternative implementations would also minimize the overall demand for electricity during on-peak utility rate periods.

19 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 19 FIG. 11 FIG. 19 FIG. 12 FIG. 5 FIG. 1900 1901 500 517 510 500 700 1100 1900 402 1901 1101 1901 1900 517 1901 1204 1202 1101 910 1900 510 500 1101 1901 includes CATV node system, which is another embodiment that includes power extendersto provide additional power to the active devices in the CATV node systemdetailed in, including the serversand RF ampsin. Similar to CATV node systems, CATV node systems, and CATV node systems, there are more than one CATV node systemsconnected to the CATV headend. The power extenderinis the same or similar to power extenderin, except that the power extendercan provide additional power to the CATV node system, to power the servers, fully or partially. As such, power inserterincould have additional batter(ies), additional cooling fins, etc. (not shown), when compared to those same components in the power extenderdetailed in, to provide this additional power. RF ampin CATV node systemis the same or similar to RF ampin the CATV node systemdescribed in, except that it could also include a power inserteror power inserterinternal to it, as described previously, not shown.

1902 1102 1902 517 1902 1902 517 1902 517 1902 1901 1902 517 401 19 FIG. 11 FIG. 19 FIG. Segmentsinare similar to segmentsin, except the segmentsnow also include serverwithin segment. Each segmentcould include one or more serverswithin that segment, although potentially there could be no serverwithin any particular segment. The number of power extenders(PEs) and segmentsconnected to each node outputsfrom CATV nodeincould be the same or different.

401 401 517 401 500 1900 515 514 514 522 514 500 424 402 19 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. CATV nodeinis the same or similar to CATV nodeinwith the placement and the connections to and from the serversand CATV nodethe same, even though not all the components shown earlier in CATV node systemare indicated in CATV node system, such as fiber optic cables, optical transceiver, switch, CPU, etc, as this was done only for graphical convenience. Since switch, as described inand CATV node systemis an access layer switch, switchin the CATV headendis an aggregation layer switch.

1900 400 1000 5 FIG. 6 FIG. 11 FIG. 12 FIG. Accordingly, the CATV node systemprovides the benefits of both the distributed data center embodimentsinand, as well as the distributed power systemembodiments inand, described previously herein.

20 FIG. 7 FIG. 7 FIG. 20 FIG. 11 FIG. 20 FIG. 12 FIG. 20 FIG. 7 FIG. 2000 2001 700 517 701 510 500 700 1100 1900 2000 402 2001 1101 2001 2000 517 701 2001 1204 1202 1101 910 2000 510 700 1101 2001 includes CATV node system, which is another embodiment that includes power extendersto provide additional power to the active devices in the CATV node systemdetailed in, including the servers, access layer switchesand RF ampsin. Similar to CATV node systems, CATV node systems, and CATV node systems, and CATV node systems, there are more than one CATV node systemsconnected to the CATV headend. The power extenderinis the same or similar to power extenderin, except that the power extendercan provide additional power to the CATV node system, to also power the servers, fully or partially, and access layer switches, if so connected as described previously. As such, power inserterincould have additional batter(ies), additional cooling fins, etc. (not shown), when compared to those same components in the power extenderdetailed in, to provide this additional power. RF ampin CATV node systeminis the same or similar to RF ampin the CATV node systemdescribed in, except that it could also include a power inserteror power inserterinternal to it, as described previously, not shown.

2002 1102 2002 517 701 2002 2002 517 701 2002 517 701 2002 2001 2002 521 702 20 FIG. 11 FIG. 20 FIG. Segmentsinare similar to segmentsin, except the segmentsnow also include server(and potentially access layer switch, if so connected accordingly) within segment. Each segmentcould include one or more servers(and potentially access layer switch, if so connected accordingly) in that segment, although potentially there could no serveror access switch(if so connected), within any particular segment. The number of power extenders(PEs) and segmentsconnected to each node outputsfrom CATV nodeincould be the same or different.

702 702 702 701 701 517 703 700 703 424 402 424 703 2000 703 20 FIG. 7 FIG. 7 FIG. 20 FIG. CATV nodeinis the same or similar to CATV nodeinwith the placement and the connections to and from CATV nodeand the access layer switchthe same, and the connections to and from the access layer switchand the serversthe same. Since switch, as described inand CATV node systemis an aggregation layer switchand switchin the CATV headendis a core layer switch, switchinand CATV node systemis an aggregation layer switch.

2000 400 1000 7 FIG. 8 FIG. 11 FIG. 12 FIG. Accordingly, the CATV node systemprovides the benefits of both the distributed data centerembodiments inand, as well as the distributed power systemembodiments inand, described previously herein.

21 FIG. 21 FIG. 21 FIG. 2100 1101 517 2101 500 700 1100 1900 2000 2100 402 2102 2101 1901 517 2102 2102 1101 2100 1900 2000 1900 2000 include CATV node systemwhich is another embodiment that integrates the power extenderfunctionality into the serverfunctionality, and detailed as serverin. Similar to CATV node systems, CATV node systems, and CATV node systems, CATV node systems, and CATV node systems, there are more than one CATV node systemsconnected to the CATV headend. Power extenderwithin serverinprovides similar functionality as power extender, but leverages some of that common functionality already provided within server, into power extender, resulting in more cost effective power extender, relative to power extender. As such, the CATV node systemwill be more cost effective relative to CATV node systemand CATV node system, while providing the same functionality as CATV node systemand CATV node system.

517 500 1200 1101 517 1101 608 1210 2104 2101 517 1101 606 1211 2103 517 1101 602 1205 2107 517 1101 609 1201 2105 517 1101 610 1202 2106 1101 2102 6 FIG. 12 FIG. 21 FIG. 21 FIG. 21 FIG. 21 FIG. 21 FIG. 12 FIG. 21 FIG. Referring to the serverblock diagraminand the block diagramof the power extender(PE) in, both the serverand power extenderinclude memoryand memory, respectively, that can be combined into memoryof serverin. Similarly, both the serverand power extenderinclude power supplyand power supply, respectively, that can be combined into power supplyin. Additionally, both the serverand power extenderinclude CPUand PE controller, respectively, that can be combined into CPUin. Both the serverand power extenderalso include server housingand power extender housing, respectively, that can be combined into housingin. Similarly, both the serverand power extenderalso include cooling finsand cooling fins, respectively, that can be combined into cooling finsin. All remaining items in power extenderinremain in power extender, even if not shown in, providing the same or similar functionality.

While the inventions have been described with respect to specific examples including various modes carry out the inventions, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present inventions. This, the spirit and scope of the inventions should be construed as broadly as set forth in the claims.